Six people are missing after the landslide that swept away the Beachside campsite in Mount Maunganui, a tourist destination in northern New Zealand. Police confirmed the news, having concluded their search and begun the body recovery process after finding human remains under a mass of mud and debris.
Among the victims was Sharon Maccanico, 15, originally from Avellino, an international hip hop champion and a student at Pakūranga College. The school announced the news in a statement posted on social media overnight. Another student, Max Furse-Kee, also died in the landslide.
"It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of two Pakūranga College students in the Mount Maunganui tragedy," the statement reads. "We are in contact with the families to express our deepest condolences and aroha. Our community is deeply affected, and we are working to support students and staff in the coming days and weeks."
Police Superintendent Tim Anderson described the situation as “heartbreaking”, saying a camper van, a caravan and a shower block were buried by a mudslide caused by the exceptional rainfall.
Another 15-year-old is also among the missing. "It's become clear that the chances of finding survivors are extremely slim," Anderson told reporters, emphasizing the complexity of the operation and the safety risks posed by the unstable terrain.
Over the past two days, the local community has held vigils and moments of reflection while awaiting news. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed his condolences, assuring the families affected of his full support: "Every New Zealander mourns with you."
Authorities are now assessing possible culprits and clarifying why the campsite was not evacuated despite reports of landslides as early as Thursday morning. On the same day, another landslide killed two people in the nearby port city of Tauranga, including a Chinese citizen.
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