Several people remain missing after powerful landslides tore through a residential home and a popular holiday campground on New Zealand’s North Island, following days of record-breaking rainfall. Authorities confirmed that at least two people have died, as emergency crews continue search and rescue operations amid unstable conditions.

Police said the first landslide struck a house in Welcome Bay at approximately 4:50 a.m. on Thursday. Two occupants managed to escape, but two others were trapped inside the home. Their bodies were later recovered, according to Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell, who described the scene as devastating.

Hours later, a second and more destructive landslide hit the Beachside Holiday Park at the base of Mount Maunganui, a well-known tourist destination. The slide crushed campervans, vehicles, and an amenities block within the campground. Police said the number of people unaccounted for remains in the “single figures,” raising fears that additional casualties may be found.

Sniffer dogs have been deployed to assist rescue teams as they sift through debris, while authorities warned that ongoing rain and unstable ground continue to pose serious risks. The incident highlights the growing threat posed by extreme weather events, as communities across the region grapple with flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.

Emergency officials urged residents and travelers to avoid affected areas and remain alert as recovery efforts continue. The situation remains fluid as search operations proceed and authorities assess the full scale of the destruction.