Man Dies After Vehicle Submerged in Waikato Floodwaters

A man was found deceased in his vehicle after it was submerged by floodwaters in the Waikato region amid heavy rainfall. Emergency services were alerted around 9:15 p.m. on Friday to a submerged car on State Highway 39 near the intersection with Kiwi Road at Puketotara. Upon arrival, police discovered the man inside the vehicle. State Highway 39 remains closed, and authorities have urged travelers to exercise caution and avoid crossing flooded roads. The incident occurred south of Ōtorohanga, where a state of emergency has been declared due to widespread flooding. Mayor Rodney Dow expressed condolences, stating, "This is devastating news for our community. Right now, our focus is on supporting those affected by the widespread flooding, as well as emergency workers and support agencies who are also helping." The severe weather is part of a tropical low affecting much of the North Island, with heavy rain warnings in place for several regions, including the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne. Numerous roads have been closed due to storm damage and flooding.