New Zealand’s North Island braces for Cyclone Vaianu with thousands ordered to evacuate | New Zealand

Thousands of New Zealanders were ordered to evacuate their homes on Saturday as the country’s North Island braced for Cyclone Vaianu, which authorities warned could cause coastal flooding and landslides.

Vaianu, which is forecast to bring heavy rain and winds of up to 130 km per hour (80 mph), is expected to hit Sunday, then pass west of the remote Chatham Islands on Monday, the country’s weather forecaster said.

A state of emergency was declared in many areas on Saturday and authorities ordered evacuations in parts of Whakatāne, a town of 37,150 people about 430 km (270 miles) north of the national capital Wellington.

“Residents should plan to be away for at least two days,” Whakatāne district council said on Facebook. It was stated that the storm could cause landslides, storm surges, waves up to 13 meters and coastal flooding in coastal areas.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Friday that the cyclone had the potential to cause damage and urged those in its path to prepare for the impact.

“Make sure drains are clear, check on neighbors and be prepared for possible power outages,” Luxon told X.

Vaianu brought back the painful memory of Cyclone Gabrielle, which killed 11 people and displaced thousands in 2023 in New Zealand’s worst natural disaster this century.