Khaberni - The authorities in New Zealand announced on Saturday a state of emergency in several regions, and ordered thousands of residents to evacuate their homes in anticipation of the arrival of the tropical cyclone "Vaianu".
The New Zealand Meteorological Service reported that the cyclone is accompanied by severe winds reaching speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour, with predictions of heavy rainfall that could lead to coastal flooding and landslides. It noted that wave heights could reach up to 13 meters in affected areas.
The evacuation orders included parts of the coastal city of "Whakatane"; where the local council urged residents to be cautious and stay away from low-lying areas for at least two days, while New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon urged citizens to prepare for the potential effects of the cyclone.
