New Zealand hit by record floods

Severe storms and flooding continued across New Zealand over the weekend. A state of emergency was declared in Auckland on Friday, after the country's largest city saw massive rainfall.

Torrential rain centered on Auckland and surrounding areas claimed the lives of four people.

Major highways were closed due to landslides, and the city's main airport was shut for over 24 hours after its international terminal flooded.

Authorities in Auckland say nearly 400 homes have been reported unsafe after the record-breaking downpours, with 249 millimeters of rain falling on Friday. The city has already received nearly eight times its average January rainfall.

New Prime Minister Chris Hipkins visited affected areas on Saturday and pledged the government's commitment to protecting and housing those in need. He said infrastructure repairs are another priority.

With more rain expected this week, authorities are warning people against unnecessary travel due to risks of further floods and landslides.

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