Powerful Gales Cause Tens of Thousands In the Dark in New Zealand
Powerful gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to call off over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, while officials report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
