A state of emergency has been declared in the New Zealand city of Dunedin as the nation's meteorological service warns that more than a month's rain could fall in a day. Residents in parts of the city, located near the southern end of New Zealand's South Island, are being advised to self-evacuate and seek higher ground if they feel unsafe due to rising floodwaters.
The MetService has issued a 'Red Warning,' which is designated for the most extreme weather events, valid through 9 p.m. local time tonight. This situation poses significant risks not only to local residents but also highlights the increasing severity of weather-related emergencies globally.
The declaration of a state of emergency underscores the urgent need for preparedness as extreme weather patterns become more frequent and intense worldwide. Authorities are mobilizing resources to assist affected residents and mitigate the impact of the flooding.