Powerful Gales Cause Numerous Homes In the Dark in New Zealand
Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.