Intense Gales Cause Tens of Thousands Without Power in New Zealand
Powerful gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
