Fierce Winds Cause Numerous Homes Without Power in New Zealand
Intense gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, though authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
