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New Zealand authorities said Saturday they were working to identify victims of a landslide that hit a popular campsite on the country’s North Island, after human remains were found overnight.
Six people, including two teenagers, are presumed dead after heavy rain triggered the Mount Maunganui landslide on the island’s east coast on Thursday, sending dirt and rubble onto the site in the Tauranga town, crowded with families on summer holidays.
Rescue efforts have ceased and a recovery operation is underway, police said, adding that it was unlikely that any of the missing people were still alive. No signs of life have been detected in the rubble since voices were heard by first responders Thursday, according to police.
Chief coroner Anna Tutton said her office was now working to identify the victims.
“I cannot say how long the identification process will take, but I give absolute assurance that we will work with great care,” Tutton said in a statement.
A Canadian family was staying at a vacation resort located in the path of a landslide on New Zealand’s North Island. Dion Siluch and his family were unharmed, but local authorities say at least two people were killed.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was “devastating to receive the news we all feared.”
“To the families who have lost loved ones, all New Zealanders mourn with you,” Luxon publishedon social media platform.
The Prime Minister visited the site on Friday and met the families of the victims.
Thirty-five crew members, assisted by heavy machinery, were clearing debris Saturday after a partial slide in part of the search area Friday evening, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said.
Heavy rain forecast for the area Saturday could present new challenges, and the “task force” may need to withdraw from the search area for their safety, Fire and Emergency Manager Megan Stiffler said in a statement.
Heavy rains this week caused another landslide in the nearby suburb of Papamoa, killing two people.
