Powerful Winds Leave Numerous Homes In the Dark in New Zealand
Powerful gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, though authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
