Wellington: Severe storms in New Zealand have disrupted flights and left people without power. Heavy rain and strong winds have disrupted public transport systems, including flights, trains, and ferries, and forced closures across New Zealand's North Island, leaving tens of thousands of households without power.

According to Thai News Agency, the airport revealed that most flights to and from Wellington, the country's capital, were cancelled or delayed early Monday morning. Meanwhile, local media reported that Air New Zealand had temporarily suspended services at airports in Wellington, Napier, and Palmerston North.

New Zealand officials said more than 30,000 homes and buildings experienced power outages, including approximately 10,000 users in Wellington. Motorists were advised to avoid the area, and several schools were closed as rescue teams battled the widespread damage. Ken Cooper, Assistant National Commissioner for Emergency Situations, revealed that firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night to respond to the emergency, with over half of the 852 calls received originating from the Wellington area.

This situation exacerbates existing problems stemming from a major wastewater treatment system failure in Wellington earlier this month, which released raw sewage onto the southern coast. Storms over the weekend further washed this sewage back ashore. Additionally, images circulating online show flooded semi-rural areas, inundated homes, and collapsed roads visible after water levels began to recede.