Aftermath of Auckland flooding reveals four deaths

The aftermath of record rainfall and extensive flooding in Auckland since Friday has led to four deaths.

The weather event is still impacting New Zealand's largest city, with Auckland Council advising that more heavy rain is expected over the coming days, with more flooding and landslides predicted.

A state of emergency remains in place in Auckland and further south in regional Waitomo.

Four people have lost their lives and millions of dollars of damage has resulted from the rain and flooding with 350 people in need of emergency accommodation.

New Zealand's new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told TVNZ, “here has been very significant damage across Auckland.”

With Elton John’s cancelled concerts at Mt Smart Stadium on Friday and Saturday night the most high profile events to be impacted by the rain, Auckland Council facilities remain closed.

As of this morning, Auckland schools and all of theCouncil’s early childhood education are closed and will remain so until 7th February while Auckland Leisure advises on its website “several pool and leisure centres are closed due to flooding” asking users to check each facility’s website for updates prior to visiting.

International flights have resumed at Auckland Airport today after it was closed due to flooding on Friday.

However, Airport managers called on only those people who have a flight booked and scheduled come to the international terminal.

The Airport also warned that “airport processes may take longer over the next few days”.

While the airport opened for domestic flights on Saturday, Auckland Airport Chief Executive, Carrie Hurihanganui cautioned it would take some time to return to normality, noting “with the disruption to flight schedules, it may also take airlines several days to rebook passengers.

“Anyone travelling in the next few days who has questions about the impact to their travel plans should talk to their airline or travel agent. Rest assured, we’re all working together as an airport community to get everyone where they need to be over the coming days.”

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research said in a tweet that Auckland recorded more than eight times its average January rainfall and 40% of its annual average rainfall.

Click here for updates from Auckland Leisure.

Images: A flooded movie theatre on Auckland's North Shore (top) and Auckland Airport is flooded on Friday (below).