April 11 (Reuters) - Thousands of New Zealanders were ordered to evacuate their homes on Saturday as the country's North Island braced for Cyclone Vaianu, which authorities warned could cause coastal
New Zealand braces for Cyclone Vaianu, North Island evacuations ordered
Cyclone Vaianu Threatens North Island: Evacuations and Emergency Preparations
(Corrects reference to Cyclone Gabrielle in paragraph 7)
Evacuation Orders and Weather Warnings
April 11 (Reuters) - Thousands of New Zealanders were ordered to evacuate their homes on Saturday as the country's North Island braced for Cyclone Vaianu, which authorities warned could cause coastal flooding and landslides.
Forecast and Expected Impact
Vaianu, forecast to bring heavy rain and winds of up to 130 kmh (80 mph), was expected to hit on Sunday, then pass west of the remote Chatham Islands on Monday, the country's weather forecaster said.
Emergency Declarations and Regional Response
Several regions were under emergency declarations on Saturday, with authorities ordering evacuations in some parts of Whakatane, population 37,150, about 430 km (270 miles) north of national capital Wellington.
Local Council Guidance
"Residents should plan to be away for at least two days," the Whakatane District Council posted on Facebook. On coastal areas, the storm could cause landslides, storm surges, waves of up to 13 metres (43 feet) and coastal flooding, it said.
Government Response and Public Advice
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Friday the cyclone had the potential to be damaging and urged those in its path to prepare for impact.
Preparation Recommendations
"Make sure drains are free, check in on the neighbours, and be prepared for possible power cuts," Luxon said on X.
Historical Context
Vaianu has conjured up the painful memory of 2023's Cyclone Gabrielle, which killed 11 and displaced thousands in one of New Zealand's biggest natural disasters this century.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by William Mallard)
