11-Meter Giant Waves Hit New Zealand's Capital; Hundreds Evacuated, Flights Canceled
A severe storm struck Wellington, New Zealand's capital, generating 11-meter-high waves. Hundreds of coastal residents were evacuated, and multiple flights were canceled at the airport.
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- 📰 Published: June 9, 2026 at 14:39
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(Central News Agency, Wellington, 9th, Combined Foreign Reports) New Zealand's capital, Wellington, was hit by a severe storm today, generating giant waves up to 11 meters high along the coast. Authorities have urgently evacuated hundreds of residents living in coastal areas.
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little declared a state of emergency for coastal residents of Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay, and Breaker Bay on the eve of the giant waves.
"You must stay away from the southern coastline," Little said in a statement, warning that emergency responders would not come to help anyone who stayed.
The evacuation order took effect this morning, and police have intervened to ensure people moved to higher ground.
Police set up roadblocks on surrounding roads to prevent people from accessing the coast.
The city council said a similar event occurred in 2021, when many homes in Breaker Bay were affected, and wave heights during that storm were about 6.5 meters.
New Zealand's MetService reported that the giant waves entering Wellington Harbor today measured 11 meters high.
An AFP journalist saw strong gusts at Island Bay, where two women were knocked over on the spot as waves washed onto the road.
Some flights at Wellington Airport were canceled, with gusts recorded at the airport reaching 128 kilometers per hour.
Reuters reported that an airport spokesperson said via email that a light aircraft was briefly blown over at Wellington Airport by strong winds, causing the plane to tilt and land on its wing and wheel.
"No one was injured, and the aircraft was quickly righted," the spokesperson said.
The New Zealand Herald reported that the plane tilted just after landing, and passengers had already disembarked.
About eight flights were canceled at Wellington Airport. According to Radio New Zealand, Air New Zealand has informed passengers that forecast strong winds may disrupt some flights departing from Wellington and offered rebooking options. (Editor: Li Peishan) 1150609
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little declared a state of emergency for coastal residents of Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay, and Breaker Bay on the eve of the giant waves.
"You must stay away from the southern coastline," Little said in a statement, warning that emergency responders would not come to help anyone who stayed.
The evacuation order took effect this morning, and police have intervened to ensure people moved to higher ground.
Police set up roadblocks on surrounding roads to prevent people from accessing the coast.
The city council said a similar event occurred in 2021, when many homes in Breaker Bay were affected, and wave heights during that storm were about 6.5 meters.
New Zealand's MetService reported that the giant waves entering Wellington Harbor today measured 11 meters high.
An AFP journalist saw strong gusts at Island Bay, where two women were knocked over on the spot as waves washed onto the road.
Some flights at Wellington Airport were canceled, with gusts recorded at the airport reaching 128 kilometers per hour.
Reuters reported that an airport spokesperson said via email that a light aircraft was briefly blown over at Wellington Airport by strong winds, causing the plane to tilt and land on its wing and wheel.
"No one was injured, and the aircraft was quickly righted," the spokesperson said.
The New Zealand Herald reported that the plane tilted just after landing, and passengers had already disembarked.
About eight flights were canceled at Wellington Airport. According to Radio New Zealand, Air New Zealand has informed passengers that forecast strong winds may disrupt some flights departing from Wellington and offered rebooking options. (Editor: Li Peishan) 1150609
FAQ
What happened in this news?
A severe storm in Wellington, New Zealand, generated 11-meter-high waves, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of coastal residents.
Which areas were evacuated?
Coastal areas of Owhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay, and Breaker Bay in Wellington were evacuated.
What was the impact on the airport?
Wellington Airport recorded gusts of up to 128 km/h, resulting in about eight flight cancellations and a light aircraft being overturned, with no injuries.