Authorities in New Zealand are conducting a search for six individuals presumed dead following a landslide at the Beachside Holiday Park, a popular campsite located at the base of Mount Maunganui. The incident occurred on January 12, 2024, during a severe summer storm that swept across the North Island, leading to heavy rainfall and destabilizing the ground.
The missing individuals, aged between 15 and 71, include a Swedish tourist and a teenager from Italy. Work to locate them was temporarily suspended over the weekend due to concerns about further ground instability. Search efforts resumed on January 15, 2024, as teams faced perilous conditions. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson emphasized the need for improved weather conditions, stating, “Moisture is the enemy at this point. The ground is saturated, and what we need is days of fine weather.”
A significant wave of mud swept down from Mount Maunganui, impacting the campsite, which is known for its scenic beachside location near an extinct volcano. Images from the scene depict vehicles, travel trailers, and amenities crushed under debris. Initially, rescuers reported hearing voices beneath the rubble, but by Saturday, officials indicated that they did not expect any survivors among the missing individuals.
The victims have been identified as Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50; Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71; Susan Doreen Knowles, 71; Sharon Maccanico, 15; and Max Furse-Kee, 15. The tragic events unfolded during New Zealand’s peak summer holiday season, a time when many families visit the area for vacation.
The storm also resulted in three other fatalities across the region. Two individuals lost their lives when a landslide buried a house in Papamoa, and a 47-year-old man from Kiribati was swept away by floodwaters while driving in the far north of New Zealand. His body was discovered on January 13, 2024.
In light of the extreme weather, questions have arisen regarding whether proper evacuation orders should have been issued prior to the landslide. The local fire service reported that it had warned the Tauranga City Council about the risk of a landslide near the campsite four hours before the incident occurred. In response, the council announced it would initiate an independent inquiry into the events leading up to this tragedy.
As search teams continue their efforts, the community remains hopeful for a breakthrough while grappling with the aftermath of this heartbreaking situation. The grim circumstances have highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures in areas prone to such natural disasters, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
