Cyclone Vaianu has conjured up memories of 2023’s Cyclone Gabrielle, which killed 11 and displaced thousands in one of New Zealand’s biggest natural disasters this century. On April 12, 2026, Cyclone Vaianu made landfall in New Zealand’s North Island, triggering floods and power outages across the region.
The cyclone crossed the coast near the Maketu peninsula, packing winds exceeding 130 km/h (80 mph). Authorities have placed several regions under emergency declarations and issued ‘red’ level wind warnings as the storm approached.
As a result of the cyclone, hundreds of residents have been forced to evacuate, with mandatory evacuations carried out at 270 properties in the coastal Whakatane District. Additionally, approximately 5,000 homes are currently without electricity due to the severe weather conditions.
MetService reported wind gusts of 130 km/h and rainfall totals exceeding 100 mm in Whangarei over a 24-hour period. Air New Zealand has cancelled more than 90 turboprop flights in response to the cyclone’s impact.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has responded to over 100 calls for assistance related to wind damage and flooding. The cyclone is expected to cause further coastal inundation due to high tides and large swells.
Mark Mitchell, a local official, noted, “It’s moved more to the fringes and more to the east, which means that we haven’t quite seen the intensity that we had prepared for or that we thought we were going to get hit with. So that is good news.” However, he warned that the concerning time is from 2 PM onwards when high tides will combine with the large swells.
Heather Keats, another official, stated, “Things do improve from tonight and tomorrow, but at the moment this is still a life-threatening weather system.” Residents are urged to heed evacuation orders and stay safe as conditions remain hazardous.
John Price, a local emergency manager, emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “Act now and not later – later may be too late!” As Cyclone Vaianu tracks southeast away from the mainland, observers are hopeful for an improvement in weather conditions.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage caused by the cyclone, but the situation is being closely monitored as recovery efforts begin.
