New Zealand's North Island is preparing for the imminent landfall of Hurricane Vaianu, with authorities declaring states of emergency across several regions and ordering thousands of residents to evacuate. The storm is expected to bring wind speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour, heavy rainfall, waves of up to 13 metres, and a risk of flooding and landslides — with coastal water levels already reported six metres above normal near Auckland. Prime Minister Luxon has urged residents to prepare for significant damage including power outages, and called on people to check in on their neighbours, as the country recalls the devastation of Hurricane Gabrielle in 2023, which killed eleven people and left thousands homeless.

Based on: NOS Nieuws