Dangerous winds swept across New Zealand for the second time in a week on Thursday, forcing school closures, causing widespread power outages, and canceling hundreds of flights. The severe weather also disrupted what was planned as one of the country’s largest industrial actions in decades.
The strongest winds struck the lower North Island, including the capital Wellington, and parts of the South Island such as Christchurch. The national meteorological agency, MetService, issued rare “red” wind warnings, the highest level of alert, for multiple regions. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported during Thursday’s storm, though a man had died earlier this week after being struck by a falling tree branch.
Transport was severely affected, with over 200 flights canceled nationwide. Wind speeds reached 140-160 km/h (87-100 mph) in urban areas, with gusts hitting 230 km/h (143 mph) in remote parts of the South Island. Trees were uprooted, roofs damaged, and shipping containers toppled at the Dunedin port. Several highways were closed, including routes to the West Coast of the South Island, cut off due to flooding.
The extreme weather also disrupted a planned “mega strike” by more than 100,000 health and education workers represented by four unions. Teachers, doctors, nurses, and other medical staff walked off the job for four hours after months of unsuccessful pay and conditions negotiations. While some rallies were canceled due to the storm, thousands still marched in Auckland and Hamilton, and hundreds joined demonstrations in smaller towns. Hospitals and emergency rooms remained operational, though public health authorities advised people to seek medical care only for urgent matters.
The industrial action reflects mounting frustrations over government spending cuts and a rising exodus of medical professionals to neighboring Australia for higher pay and better living conditions.
Authorities expect winds to ease by Friday but warned travelers to remain cautious. Fireworks and open-fire bans remain in effect as high winds have sparked wildfires, some of which firefighters have struggled to control. New Zealand’s mountainous terrain and southern latitude make it vulnerable to extreme weather year-round.
Source: AP