Hundreds of People Evacuated as Waves Batter New Zealand Capital

Authorities evacuated hundreds of people from their seaside homes in New Zealand's capital on Tuesday as 11-metre (36-foot) waves lashed the coast.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little declared a state of emergency on the eve of the swells for seaside residents in Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay and Breaker Bay. 

"You must stay away from the southern coastline," Little said in a statement, warning that emergency workers would not be coming to help anyone who stayed



behind.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/australia-and-new-zealand/hundreds-evacuated-as-waves-batter-new-zealand-The evacuation order took effect on Tuesday morning, with police brought in to ensure people moved to higher ground. 

Officers set up cordons on surrounding roads to prevent people from heading to the coast. The council said a similar event in 2021 affected many homes in Breaker Bay, and waves during that storm were about 6.5 metres. 

Waves entering Wellington Harbour on Tuesday were measured at 11 metres, New Zealand's MetService said.