Thousands lose power after wild weather batters New Zealand

Wild weather has left thousands of people in New Zealand without power after a low-pressure system swept across the country, triggering flooding and landslides.

More than 3,000 power outages were recorded on Saturday, primarily affecting central regions and the capital, Wellington, according to the utility company Powerco. National weather forecaster MetService indicated that the severe weather was moving out of the area after a "very wet and windy 24 hours."

Emergency authorities cautioned residents about debris on roads, ongoing surface flooding, and a persistent risk of landslides in Wellington. The disruptive weather on Friday led to the cancellation of 200 flights in and out of Wellington. In Lower Hutt, northeast of the capital, officials reported flooded roads and two landslides.

This event recalls a similar incident in January when heavy rain caused a landslide on the North Island that resulted in six fatalities at a busy campground.

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After a very wet and windy 24 hours, the weather is on its way out.