Two people died and several are feared buried following landslides on New Zealand's North Island, triggered by heavy rains and flooding. The deaths occurred in Welcome Bay, while rescue operations continue at a campground on Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcano, where authorities reported no "signs of life."

Rescue workers and sniffer dogs are combing through the rubble of crushed caravans and flattened tents at the Mount Maunganui site. Authorities have a "rough idea" of the number of missing individuals, which includes "at least one young girl," but are awaiting a confirmed figure.

The landslides were a consequence of severe weather conditions that have plagued the North Island in recent days, causing widespread flooding and power outages. One government minister described the east coast as resembling "a war zone." Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed the nation's sorrow on X, stating that New Zealand is "heavy with grief" after the "profound tragedy" caused by the recent weather events.

The AI implications for disaster response are significant. AI-powered systems can analyze real-time data from weather sensors, satellite imagery, and social media to predict potential landslide zones with greater accuracy. Machine learning algorithms can be trained on historical data to identify patterns and risk factors, enabling authorities to issue timely warnings and evacuate vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, AI-driven robots and drones can assist in search and rescue operations, navigating hazardous terrain and locating survivors using thermal imaging and other advanced sensors. These technologies can significantly reduce the risk to human rescuers and expedite the recovery process.

The use of AI in disaster management raises important ethical considerations. It is crucial to ensure that AI systems are unbiased and do not disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Data privacy and security are also paramount, as AI systems often rely on sensitive personal information.

The latest developments in AI for disaster response include the use of generative AI to create realistic simulations of disaster scenarios, allowing emergency responders to train in virtual environments. Additionally, researchers are exploring the use of AI to develop more resilient infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events.

The search operation at Mount Maunganui is ongoing, with authorities focusing on locating the missing individuals. Investigations are underway to determine the precise causes of the landslides and to assess the overall impact of the severe weather on the North Island.