Cyclone Vaianu Sparks Massive Evacuations Across New Zealand's North Island
Thousands ordered to flee as powerful storm with heavy rain and winds up to 130 km/h threatens to bring coastal flooding and landslides to the region.
New Zealand's North Island is bracing for the impact of Cyclone Vaianu, a powerful storm system expected to bring heavy rainfall and winds reaching up to 130 kilometers per hour (80 miles per hour). In response to the impending threat, thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes as authorities warn of the potential for coastal flooding and landslides.
Vaianu, which is forecast to make landfall on Sunday, is the latest in a series of extreme weather events to hit the Pacific nation in recent years. Climate change and rising sea levels have contributed to an increase in the frequency and intensity of such storms, putting coastal communities at greater risk.
For those who have been ordered to evacuate, the process of leaving their homes and seeking shelter can be both stressful and logistically challenging. Many will need to find alternative accommodations, often with family or friends, or in designated evacuation centers set up by local authorities.
Source: The Guardian
