Intense Winds Leave Numerous Homes In the Dark in New Zealand
Severe gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, although officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of wildfires.
