New Zealand declared a state of emergency in Otorohanga on Saturday (14 February) after torrential rain caused severe flooding, power outages and evacuations.

A man was found dead in a submerged vehicle, as forecasters warned the storm would intensify and threaten Wellington and other parts of the North Island.

Authorities said the man’s body was discovered inside a vehicle trapped on a flooded highway after heavy rain pounded the agricultural district, about 180 km south of Auckland, overnight. His name has not been released.

Otorohanga District Mayor Rodney Dow described the situation as devastating, saying the community was focused on supporting affected residents and emergency crews.

“Right now, our focus is on supporting those affected by the widespread flooding, as well as the emergency workers and support agencies who are also helping,” he told a news conference.

Rain began falling around 2 pm local time on Friday (13 February) but intensified sharply through the evening.

Up to 300mm was recorded in roughly an hour, overwhelming a pumping system designed to prevent flooding. Mayor Dow described the sudden deluge as “a weather bomb”.

Around 80 people had been evacuated by Saturday, with authorities setting up an emergency centre in a local church. Residents who were not ordered to leave were advised to remain indoors and avoid floodwaters as officials began assessing what was described as extensive damage.

New Zealand’s MetService warned the weather system was expected to strengthen, bringing heavy rain, winds of up to 120km/h and waves reaching seven metres from Sunday.

A severe weather warning covers parts of the North Island’s east coast, from the Coromandel Peninsula to the Bay of Plenty, and includes the capital Wellington.

Images shared on social media showed semi-rural neighbourhoods submerged, sections of collapsed roadway and debris-laden bridges after floodwaters receded, underscoring the scale of the destruction as communities brace for further impact.

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