Newzealand: Heavy rains in New Zealand... Water blockade in lowland areas

Flooding in the northern part of New Zealand. Inland regions are stuck in water blockades due to torrential rains in Auckland city. Half of the houses and cars were submerged in flood water. People from flood-affected areas are moving to safer places. The New Zealand Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains for the next few days

A situation of emergency has been declared in Auckland due to severe flooding, forcing people to evacuate their homes.

It was officially announced at 9.54 pm.

Meanwhile, Auckland Airport has closed its international terminal check-in due to flooding inside the building.

The airport says passengers may feel sorry for them but urges people to contact their airline for the latest flight information.

It said people should not go to the international terminal.

In a statement, the airport has fixed damage to its runway lighting caused by an incoming flight. But the runway was only partially open.

Firefighters said they are responding to more than 1,000 calls related to heavy rains in the area.

Central Auckland received 238mm of rain today, with 131mm falling in the past two hours, MetService said.

Mayor Wayne Brown is urging affected residents to seek advice from emergency responders.

The terrible weather also led to the cancellation of Sir Elton John's concert at the Mt Smart Stadium just minutes before the singer was due to take the stage.