New Zealand’s Northland Declares State of Emergency as Cyclone Vaianu Nears, Citizens Brace Themselves

As Cyclone Vaianu nears, New Zealand’s Northland has announced a state of emergency. It is expected to bring severe wind and rain to the North Island later this evening. A weather event might also bring torrential rain, especially in New Zealand’s Auckland region. The MetService has called it a “multi-hazard, potentially life-threatening event”. 

Around 2 pm, an emergency alert was sent to mobile phones across Auckland, warning residents to prepare immediately for the impacts of Cyclone Vaianu. Auckland Emergency Management stated that the cyclone was expected to bring widespread disruption. Heavy rain and strong wind warnings are in place for Auckland and Great Barrier Island from Saturday evening. Moreover, the authorities urged people to act spontaneously, warning that dangerous conditions, including wind damage, flooding, and landslides. 

Cyclone Vaianu to Hit New Zealand’s Auckland: Emergency State Announced 

On Saturday, April 11, the residents of Auckland were told to have a plan to shelter at home, manage possible power outages, or evacuate if needed, and not to wait for further official warnings before preparing. People were advised to clear drains and gutters, secure loose outdoor items, and ensure they had essential supplies ready, including medication, warm clothing, important documents, and items for babies and pets.

Cyclone Vaianu is a category 2 cyclone, which is expected to be a “very large, damaging system.” According to the weather forecast, Cyclone Vaianu would move south-eastwards across the North Island overnight Saturday and into Sunday. Additionally, yellow heavy rain watches and warnings previously issued for the entire North Island have now been upgraded to orange in many regions. A red-level wind warning has also been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island on Sunday morning.

Yesterday, Kiwis witnessed the calm before the storm, with the sky painted in hues of pink, orange, red, and yellow. Meanwhile, queues are still being formed at Auckland supermarkets as people prepare for Cyclone Vaianu. The car park at PAK’nSAVE Wairau in the North Shore suburb of Glenfield was full, with dozens of cars circling. Trolleys appeared to be full of bottled water and toilet paper. By the afternoon, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua had been upgraded, with forecasters warning of severe gales and gusts that could reach up to 130km/h.