Fierce Gales Leave Tens of Thousands In the Dark in the Island Nation
Powerful gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas including these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, though agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
