Global Courant 2023-05-10 17:05:58
New Zealand police said they found the body of a high school student in a cave after a school group ran into trouble when the water hit.
A group of 15 students and two adults had left on Tuesday morning for a trip to the Abbey Caves in Whangārei as part of an outdoor class, authorities said. The others got out safely.
The death has raised questions about why school officials chose to go ahead with the trip, even after forecasters warned heavy rain was on the way.
The district council’s website warns people to “check the weather forecast as caves can be prone to flash flooding”. The site says the cave system contains dramatic limestone outcrops, sink holes, and three main caves.
“We recognize that this event has been deeply distressing to the school and the wider community, and that there are a number of questions on the part of the public,” Police Superintendent Tony Hill said in a statement. “At the moment, the focus of the police is on supporting those affected.” Hill said the body was recovered late Tuesday.
Karen Gilbert-Smith, Whangārei Boys’ high school principal, wrote on Facebook that the event was “hugely upsetting” for everyone involved.
“Over time, we will try to understand how this situation came about, but for now, I ask that we remain united as a WBHS community and provide support where needed,” the director wrote.
Further south, heavy rainfall and flooding on Tuesday prompted authorities in Auckland to declare a state of emergency. The statement remained in effect Wednesday morning as the weather eased.
Fire and emergency services said they responded to more than 200 calls on Tuesday, most in Auckland. Many were in favor of floods penetrating buildings, but they had also reacted to landslides, falling trees and trapped cars. Some train and bus services were canceled and authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary travel.
Severe weather has hit the North Island this year. In January, four people were killed when floodwaters hit Auckland. In February, 11 people were killed when Cyclone Gabrielle struck.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said it was a difficult time for the region.
He said on Tuesday that he had not yet discovered all the details about what happened to the student.
“I want to express my deep concern there and my absolute support for the school community,” Hipkins said.
