Emergency teams have discovered human remains after a serious landslide at a campsite on Mount Maunganui in New Zealand. The identification is now underway, but how long it will take is unclear, the police said. It is now no longer a rescue operation, but rather a pure recovery operation. There is no expectation of finding survivors.
“We informed the families of this news this morning and will continue to provide them with full support,” said local police chief Tim Anderson. The six victims are between 15 and 71 years old. Five of them are New Zealanders and a 20-year-old person comes from Sweden.
Witnesses reported cries for help
The landslide destroyed parts of the well-known camping area on Thursday morning (local time) and buried tents under mud. This was preceded by record rainfall. More rain fell in the region within twelve hours than in two and a half months – the highest daily value since records began.
It is currently being investigated why the campsite was not evacuated as a precaution despite the flash floods and the soggy ground. After the accident, eyewitnesses reported that screams for help could be heard from a toilet block. After about 15 minutes the voices fell silent.
The seaside resort of Mount Maunganui lies on a peninsula and is known for its breathtaking nature, beautiful beaches and a striking extinct volcano. The area is located in the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island of New Zealand.