New Zealand storm leaves 85,000 in the dark – DW – 02/13/2023

Around 85,000 people were left without power in New Zealand this Monday (02/13/2023) and hundreds of flights were canceled due to a tropical storm in the north of the country.

Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty said Monday was a “critical day” due to a “very dangerous” combination of strong winds and rain.

The storm weakened from its “hurricane” status, but it downed trees, power lines and damaged roads.

The government declared a state of emergency in five northern regions, including Auckland.

About 58,000 people were without power in the country's North Island, and officials warned it could take days to restore service.

Canceled flights

“Until the weather is severe, it will be unsafe to work on restoring power lines,” McAnulty said.

The storm also affected the country's transport network, with flights grounded and bus and train schedules altered.

Air New Zealand said it had canceled 509 flights and would not resume normal operations until Tuesday.

mg (afp, Reuters)