Powerful Gales Leave Numerous Homes Without Power in the Island Nation
Severe gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes without power and compelled officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
