Emergency workers close a road after a landslide hit Mount Maunganui in New Zealand on Jan. 22, 2026.Credit : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I22wmiIGE3M

NEED TO KNOW

Several people remain missing after landslides struck homes and a campsite in New Zealand’s North Island on Thursday, Jan. 22
Local authorities confirmed that 2 people had died as a result of the natural disaster
Multiple children are among the missing, according to Radio New Zealand

Multiple people remain missing after landslides ripped through a popular tourist area in New Zealand on Thursday, Jan. 22.

Two deaths were reported in the town of Welcome Bay on New Zealand’s North Island, while New Zealand Police confirmed in a Facebook post that rescue efforts are “ongoing” following a landslide on nearby Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcanic dome known for its sandy beaches and hiking trails.

Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson, said that the two rescue operations were “concurrently running,” according to the post.

“Police, alongside Fire and Emergency NZ are working to locate and rescue people trapped in a landslide that came down off Mount Maunganui at 9:30 a.m. [local time] today,” Anderson added.

Police added in a release that a campsite had been evacuated and that “several people” were currently “unaccounted for.”

A search is underway for missing people following the Mount Maunganui, New Zealand landslide.DJ MILLS / AFP via Getty

“Members of the Mount Maunganui campsite have been evacuated and directed to the nearby Surf Club,” police said in the Facebook post.

A separate release confirmed the two deaths in Welcome Bay after their house “was extensively damaged by a landslide.”

“Both people are sadly deceased,” officers said. “Police are working to support their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.”

According to Radio New Zealand (RNZ), a young girl was among the missing following the Mount Maunganui landslide, with the outlet citing Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell. The station understands that other children may also be unaccounted for.

Fire and Emergency commander William Pike said at a media conference that first responders had heard voices from under the rubble when they first arrived at the scene, but nothing else since, per RNZ. He insisted crews would keep searching.

The New Zealand Herald understands that as many as nine people were unaccounted for following the Mount Maunganui landslide, citing a source involved with the rescue efforts. Police had previously said the number “is in the single figures,” per the outlet.

Officials are pictured at the scene following the Mount Maunganui, New Zealand landslide.DJ MILLS / AFP via Getty

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the events a “profound tragedy,” via an X post.

He added that his thoughts were “with the families who have lost loved ones, and with those whose family members remain unaccounted for.”

“These losses are deeply shattering, and New Zealand is heavy with grief,” Luxon continued.

“The rescue effort continues, and the Government stands with affected communities during this response, and we will continue to stand with them throughout the recovery ahead,” Luxon added.

“Amid this tragedy, we have once again seen the very best of New Zealand. Emergency responders, local marae, the Defence Force, and many everyday Kiwis have put themselves in harm’s way to support their fellow New Zealanders. On behalf of the country, thank you,” the prime minister concluded.

Australian tourist, Sonny Warrall, recalled fearing for his life when the Mount Maunganui landslide occurred, saying he was “still shaking” now as he recalled how he’d been swimming at the time.

“People were in the pools, and they were jumping out, running, people were screaming. It was insane, I just couldn’t believe it,” he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

“It all happened in a flash, I was definitely fearing for my life,” Warrall added to the outlet.

Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson, praised the bravery shown by authorities responding to these incidents he described as “one in 100 years events,” per the New Zealand Police Facebook post.

“We have already seen countless examples over the last 24 hours of Police staff putting their lives at risk to protect members of the public through evacuations,” the officer said.

“A number of additional staff were rostered to work overnight to assist with evacuations and our emergency response,” he continued, adding, “This community is a very tight-knit community, and now more than ever, we need to band together to support one another.”

“Police are offering ongoing support to those impacted by the weather, and will continue to provide necessary support for the community,” Anderson said.

New Zealand Police and Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.