Auckland, which is New Zealand's largest city, has declared a state of emergency due to heavy rain causing widespread flooding, which has disrupted rail services, stranded cars, and toppled trees. Furthermore, rescue teams are searching for a missing high school student who was in a flooded cave located north of the city. Authorities have activated disaster response services, and it is expected that the torrential rain will persist until Wednesday evening local time. Auckland's Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson referred to the flooding as an "evolving emergency situation." From January to April, the Auckland region received 90% of its average total annual rainfall, with some areas receiving as much as 35mm (1.3in) of rain within one hour. Authorities advised people to postpone any non-essential travel and avoid driving on flooded streets. Images shown in local media depict individuals leaving their offices early, which has led to traffic congestion in certain areas of the city. In February, Cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand, resulting in 11 fatalities and significant damage.
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