Powerful Winds Cause Numerous Homes Without Power in the Island Nation
Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
