Fierce Gales Leave Tens of Thousands Without Power in the Island Nation
Intense gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt more than 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, though officials report that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
