Hundreds of people are evacuated from seaside homes in Wellington, New Zealand, as very large waves batter the city’s southern coastline. New Zealand authorities order residents to leave areas including Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay and Breaker Bay ahead of dangerous conditions. Wellington Mayor Andrew Little declares a state of emergency for the affected coastal areas and urges residents to stay away from the southern coastline.
Officials warn that emergency responders may not be able to assist people who remain in high-risk zones. The evacuation order takes effect Tuesday morning, following preparation for the swells and their impact on the coast. The reported wave height reaches about 11 meters (36 feet), indicating severe coastal flooding and wave conditions.
The evacuation response focuses specifically on residents living along the waterfront, while the broader incident reflects hazardous weather and ocean conditions impacting Wellington’s coastal communities.
