Intense Winds Cause Numerous Homes Without Power in New Zealand
Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
