New Zealand's largest city declares state of emergency due to flooding

According to VNA , Auckland City, New Zealand declared a state of emergency due to flooding and heavy rain on May 9.

Transport in Auckland has come to a standstill as the country's largest city is placed under a third state of emergency due to extreme weather this year.

The New Zealand Meteorological Service has issued a weather warning and advisory for many parts of the North Island - one of the country's two main islands.

The North Island was severely affected by flooding in January this year and was hit by Cyclone Gabrielle the following February, which killed at least 11 people.

Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty has confirmed the government will step up support for people in Auckland affected by floods.

Minister McAnulty added that the National Emergency Management Agency’s National Coordination Centre has been activated and the government is ready to provide any support needed. The Auckland Emergency Management Agency has opened a support centre for those displaced or in need of assistance following the May 9 floods.

Between January and April, Auckland will receive about 90 percent of its average annual rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 35 mm of rain in an hour, said Georgina Griffiths, an official with the New Zealand Meteorological Service.

"This area will experience severe rainfall after about five months," she told reporters.

Auckland City officials have advised people to avoid travelling and driving on flooded roads. Images on local media showed people leaving office buildings early to go home, causing congestion in some parts of the city.

In April, Auckland also suffered heavy rains caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, which killed 11 people across New Zealand.

Minh Hoa (t/h)

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