Wild storm disrupts transport, leaves thousands without power in New Zealand
Heavy rain and strong winds disrupted flights, trains, and ferries, forcing the closure of roads across large parts of New Zealand's North Island on Monday, while snapping power links to tens of thousands, WAM reported.
Domestic media reported a few flights had resumed operating by afternoon from the airport in Wellington, the capital, although cancellations were still widespread after airport authorities said most morning flights were disrupted.
Air New Zealand (AIR.NZ), opens new tab, said it hoped to resume services when conditions ease later on Monday, after it paused operations at Wellington, Napier and Palmerston North airports.
Online images showed flooded semi-rural neighbourhoods, inundated homes, trees fallen on vehicles and collapsed sections of road after waters receded.
More than 30,000 properties were without power, including about 10,000 customers in Wellington, said authorities, who have urged motorists to stay off roads, while several schools were closed as emergency crews tackled widespread damage.
A severe storm in New Zealand's North Island has left one man dead, cut power to 30,000 properties, and forced several schools to close.
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) February 16, 2026
Heavy rain and strong winds have also disrupted flights, trains, and ferries, with road closures across the south coast. pic.twitter.com/xJnhDuxgNb
Earlier, it was reported that the death toll from Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar had risen to 59, with 804 people injured.
