Live: Northland Under Water – Communities Isolated and Homes Flooded as Heavy Rain Batters the Region
By Lions Roar News National Desk
WHANGĀREI, NEW ZEALAND (Sunday, January 18, 2026) — Emergency services are on high alert as extreme flooding tears through Northland this morning, isolating rural communities and forcing residents to flee to higher ground.
Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) has been overwhelmed by a “deluge” of calls since the early hours of Sunday, reporting washed-out bridges, landslides, and homes submerged in rising floodwaters.
🚨 Emergency Response: “Move to Higher Ground”
Just before 9:00 am, FENZ confirmed they are dealing with multiple critical incidents across the region. Due to the severity of the flooding, crews are currently only able to respond to immediate life-threatening situations.
- Evacuation Warnings: Residents in low-lying areas are being urged to move to higher ground immediately.
- Life Safety: FENZ has advised the public to stay cautious and call 111 only if lives are in danger.
- Access Issues: Many properties are currently unreachable by road, and emergency teams are developing specialized plans to gain access as water levels fluctuate.
🏘️ Communities Isolated: Whangaruru & Ōakura
The coastal and rural heartlands of Northland appear to be the hardest hit by the overnight downpour.
- Whangaruru Harbour: Multiple houses have been reported flooded, and a bridge has been completely washed out, cutting off primary access for residents.
- Ōakura Township: A significant landslide has been reported. Fortunately, initial assessments suggest no people or vehicles are trapped beneath the debris.
- Road Closures: Numerous local roads are impassable due to surface flooding and debris, making travel through the region extremely dangerous.
🌧️ MetService: Warning Remains in Place
MetService has maintained a Heavy Rain Warning for Northland until at least midday today. Forecasters warn that even as the heaviest rain begins to move, the accumulation from overnight will continue to cause flooding and put pressure on already saturated ground and river systems.
“The rain is expected to continue to accumulate after significant flooding overnight. Stay off the roads and keep informed via local radio and emergency channels.” — MetService Forecast
