Fierce Gales Leave Tens of Thousands Without Power in New Zealand
Severe winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, though agencies state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
