Powerful Gales Leave Tens of Thousands Without Power in New Zealand
Powerful gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to call off over 100 flights, based on local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, although officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
