New Zealand Campsite Landslide Horror: Screams Fade to Silence as Rescuers Search
A catastrophic landslide has struck a popular holiday park in New Zealand, leaving a trail of destruction, multiple people missing, and at least two confirmed fatalities. The disaster unfolded with terrifying speed, flattening tents and vehicles at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park on the North Island.
Emergency Response in a 'War Zone'
Emergency services are engaged in a desperate rescue operation, with New Zealand's Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell describing parts of the east coast as resembling a 'war zone'. The landslide, triggered by record-breaking rainfall, descended 'in seconds', according to official reports. A local state of emergency has been declared in five regions across Northland and the East Cape as responders tackle both the landslide aftermath and severe flooding, with some families still sheltering on rooftops.
Haunting Accounts from the Scene
First-hand accounts from the scene paint a picture of sheer terror. Mark Tangney, one of the first rescuers on site, recounted hearing desperate screams from beneath the rubble. 'We could hear people screaming 'help us, help us, get us out of here',' he told the New Zealand Herald. Tragically, after about fifteen minutes of frantic effort, the voices fell silent. 'We couldn't hear them anymore,' Tangney stated, a chilling detail that underscores the urgency of the situation.
Another witness, fisherman Alister Hardy, described hearing 'rolling thunder and cracking of trees' before witnessing the hillside give way. 'There were people running and screaming, and I saw people get bowled. There are people trapped,' he reported, highlighting the sudden and violent nature of the event.
Desperate Search for the Missing
Authorities confirm that six individuals remain unaccounted for, with police seeking information on a further three. Among the missing are two teenagers, the youngest aged just 15. Minister Mitchell has confirmed that 'at least one young girl' is among those unaccounted for. The campsite has been fully evacuated, and the public is being urged to avoid the area as the search continues. Rescue workers have somberly indicated there are currently no signs of life detected at the devastated holiday park.
Heroic Acts Amidst the Chaos
Amidst the tragedy, stories of quick-thinking and bravery have emerged. Bruce Cortesi, who was in nearby hot pools with his friend Olly Collier, was among the first to spot the landslide, noticing the trees moving. He immediately raised the alarm, prompting a frantic escape. Cortesi recalled looking back to see a 'big caravan' crashing into a swimming pool, with escaping individuals covered in dirt.
In a particularly poignant account, an unnamed woman has been hailed a hero for warning fellow campers of the impending danger. She reportedly pulled people from their beds at around 5 a.m., urging them to pack and leave. Tragically, hours later at approximately 9:30 a.m., she herself became trapped in a toilet block along with several others when the hillside completely collapsed.
The landslide initially hit Welcome Bay on the North Island at 4:50 a.m., with emergency services later called to the second, major slide at the Mount Maunganui holiday park. The disaster serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of extreme weather, with the region having experienced unprecedented rainfall in the days leading up to the tragedy.
