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In the early hours of Thursday morning, a landslide struck Papamoa, resulting in the tragic discovery of two bodies.
The victims were found inside a severely damaged house, the destruction a direct consequence of the landslide’s impact.
Approximately 17 kilometers to the northeast, rescue teams tirelessly continued their search efforts overnight, aiming to locate several individuals who remain missing after a landslip devastated parts of a well-loved vacation area.
Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park was also affected by a landslide yesterday morning, which caused damage to caravans, a toilet facility, vehicles, and tents.
In response, police set up a command center at the Mount Maunganui Surf Life Saving Club, working diligently to cross-reference a list of campers to determine who is still unaccounted for.
Dogs were deployed to search for at least six missing people, including multiple children.
They remain unaccounted for.
An ambulance was seen arriving at the site of the landslide this morning with lights flashing.
A hearse was also sighted leaving the site, according to Stuff.
There are concerns that severe weather could impact the ongoing search for survivors as heavy rain, strong wind and thunderstorms loom.
Heavy rain is expected across parts of New Zealand’s North Island from today until Sunday, with storms predicted for some regions.
Strong winds will also buffet the Bay of Plenty tomorrow.
New Zealand’s Civil Defence has urged residents to stay vigilant, as the weather conditions could contribute to additional landslides.
Papamoa and Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park weren’t the only areas hit with landslides yesterday.
Whangaruru suffered a major slip that has cut off multiple communities from the rest of the island, leaving hundreds stranded amid floods.
Tairawhiti also recorded multiple slips, which are reportedly affecting roads, and at least one smaller slip has hit Auckland.