A state of emergency was declared in Wellington, New Zealand, after record rainfall triggered severe flash flooding and dangerous river conditions. Residents in low-lying areas were urged to evacuate as weather warnings reached the highest level.

Residents in low-lying areas of New Zealand’s ⁠capital city Wellington ⁠were urged to evacuate on ⁠Monday, as heavy rain continued to drench the city, which experienced flash flooding overnight. A state of emergency was declared for the region on Monday afternoon, while weather forecaster MetService upgraded its heavy rain warning to red, the highest level, which indicates a threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips. Mayor Andrew Little told state-owned Radio...