New Zealand's police announced the discontinuation of rescue operations for six individuals who went missing after a landslide hit a favored camping site in Mount Maunganui. Efforts are now focused on body recovery, with authorities confirming that they do not anticipate finding anyone alive.
Among those unaccounted for are two teenagers, with one as young as 15 years old. Human remains were discovered beneath the landslide rubble, raising grave concerns for the families involved.
Police Superintendent Tim Anderson expressed his condolences, stating, This is heartbreaking news for the families and for all who have been hoping for a positive outcome. The search was significantly hindered by prolonged heavy rains, complicating the already challenging rescue conditions.
[...] Due to the severity of the situation, the safety of the rescue teams was prioritized, prompting a shift from rescue to recovery processes.
