Two dead and several missing in New Zealand landslides

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete January 22, 2026 at 10:14 AM

AI Summary

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Two people are confirmed dead and several others are missing after landslides struck New Zealand's North Island, triggered by days of heavy rainfall causing widespread flooding and power outages. The deaths occurred in Welcome Bay, while rescue efforts are concentrated at a campground on Mount Maunganui, where authorities are searching for survivors amidst crushed caravans and tents. Rescue teams, including sniffer dogs, are working through the night, though no signs of life have been detected. The missing group includes at least one young girl. A state of emergency has been declared in the Bay of Plenty, and a surf club on Mount Maunganui was evacuated due to fears of further landslides.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mark Tangney 40% Sonny Worrall 40% TVNZ ×240% New Zealand Herald 40% Megan Stiffler 50% Bay of Plenty 60% Welcome Bay 60% Urban Search and Rescue 60% Christopher Luxon 70% Mount Maunganui ×380% North Island ×290% New Zealand ×4100%

Keywords

landslides 100% new zealand 90% mount maunganui 80% rescue efforts 70% heavy rains 60% state of emergency 50% flooding 50% north island 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.80

Source Transparency

Source

BBC News - World

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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landslides new zealand mount maunganui rescue efforts heavy rains state of emergency flooding north island

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