New Zealand ‘heavy with grief’ prime minister sayspublished at 08:53 GMT
08:53 GMT
Image source, EPA
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says that the country is “heavy with grief” after the “profound tragedy” of the recent weather.
Rescue efforts are continuing and the government will stand with affected communities, Luxon adds in a statement shared on social media.
“The weather events of the past 48 hours have been a profound tragedy, claiming lives and devastating livelihoods,” he writes.
Luxon leads tributes for “the families who have lost loved ones, and with those whose family members remain unaccounted for”.
“These losses are deeply shattering, and New Zealand is heavy with grief,” he adds.
He goes on to commend efforts by first responders, adding that “amid this tragedy, we have once again seen the very best of New Zealand”.