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Auckland floods: New Zealand city declares emergency after torrential rain
New
Zealand's largest city has declared a state of emergency after torrential rain
prompted widespread flooding and evacuations. The
downpour in Auckland on Friday shifted houses, stalled traffic and cut power to
homes and businesses. The New Zealand Herald reported that a body had been
found in Wairau Valley on Auckland's north shore. An Elton John concert,
expected to be attended by 40,000 fans, was cancelled minutes before it was due
to start. Footage online showed people trapped in waist-deep floodwater and
rescuers carrying out evacuations on kayaks. Other pictures showed grocery
items floating down the aisles of several flooded supermarkets. "Infrastructure
and emergency services alike have been overwhelmed by the impacts of the
storm," said Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.
BBC World News