Intense Winds Leave Tens of Thousands Without Power in New Zealand
Intense winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
