New Zealand Auckland declares state of emergency due to severe flooding

A state of emergency has been declared in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, due to severe flooding.

auckland bus way swamped pic.twitter.com/9XIcsm2Lrz

— Adam (@CrazyIdeasNZ) January 27, 2023

Residents of the most affected areas were asked to evacuate. Due to heavy rain, highways were blocked, roads and neighborhoods were flooded. The flooding resulted in the closure of the city's airport and major disruption to flights, and prompted organizers to cancel a scheduled Elton John concert.

Heavy rain is forecast to continue throughout the night.

“This is going to be a terrible night for thousands of Aucklanders and their families,” Mayor Wayne Brown was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

New Zealand's National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) said January 27, 2023 is "probably the wettest day on record in many parts of Auckland."

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