Rescue workers in New Zealand continued searching on Thursday after a landslide swept through a campsite on the North Island, leaving several people missing, including at least one child.
The landslide happened at about 9:30 a.m. local time at a camping area near Mount Maunganui, a popular spot for visitors. The area had been experiencing heavy rain for days, which officials said likely caused the ground to give way.
Mud and debris rushed down into the campsite, hitting camper vans, cars and tents. Toilets and shower facilities were also damaged, according to authorities at the scene. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell said several people were still unaccounted for and confirmed that at least one child was among those missing.
Rescue teams were digging through thick mud by hand and with machinery, but progress was slow because the ground remained unstable. Officials said no one had been rescued so far.
The landslide came as severe weather continued to affect large parts of the eastern coast of the North Island. Heavy rain led to evacuations in some areas, road closures and power outages affecting thousands of homes.
Authorities warned that more rain could trigger further landslides and urged people in affected areas to stay alert as search efforts continued.
