Powerful Gales Leave Tens of Thousands Without Power in New Zealand
Powerful gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
