Auckland’s airport restarts some services after record rainfall forced its closure, stranding thousands

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Cars on a flooded street during heavy rainfall in Auckland, New Zealand, in an image posted on Twitter.

Photo: REUTERS

New Zealand’s largest city declared a state of emergency after heavy rain inundated large areas and forced the closure of Auckland International Airport, where one aircraft had hit and damaged runway lights while landing.

More than 2,000 people sheltered overnight at the Auckland airport’s terminal buildings after dozens of flights were diverted or canceled. The rain triggered landslides, including in at least one residential area, and stranded motorists on a flooded freeway near the city. New Zealand’s national weather service said a record 9.8 inches of rain fell on the airport in 24 hours and forecast more to come.

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