New Zealand: Popular tourist destination Queenstown declares state of emergency; 100 persons evacuated
PTC Web Desk: Queenstown in New Zealand has declared a state of emergency for an initial seven-day period amid heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides and flooding.
Mayor Glyn Lewers said it was necessary to declare a state of emergency due to significant rainfall experienced by Queenstown. The district council has been working closely with emergency management to assess the situation as it evolves, with several flooding and debris incidents identified.
More than 100 persons have been evacuated, and a temporary evacuation centre has been set up. The new Skyline Queenstown gondola was temporarily closed due to landslides and flooding. Additionally, the road to Glenorchy, a popular filming location for "The Lord of the Rings" has been cut off due to rising lake levels.
This emergency declaration comes after nearby Southland declared a regional state of emergency following flooding and landslides caused by heavy rainfall. Several schools and kindergartens remain closed due to the flooding.
Queenstown has been grappling with a gut parasite infection in recent days. A boil water notice has been issued for businesses and properties across Queenstown following a cryptosporidium outbreak, with 21 confirmed cases reported. Cryptosporidium can be transmitted through contaminated water supplies and poses health risks to those infected.
- With inputs from agencies
