Powerful Winds Leave Tens of Thousands Without Power in New Zealand
Powerful gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
