Authorities in New Zealand declared a state of emergency in several regions on Saturday and ordered thousands of residents to evacuate ahead of the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.
The country’s meteorological agency warned that the cyclone is bringing strong winds reaching up to 130 kilometers per hour, along with heavy rainfall that could trigger coastal flooding and landslides. Wave heights in affected areas are expected to reach up to 13 meters.
Evacuation orders include parts of the coastal city of Whakatane, where local authorities have urged residents to avoid low lying areas for at least two days.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called on citizens to prepare for the potential impact of the storm and follow safety guidance issued by emergency services.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as the country braces for severe weather conditions.
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