Auckland: State of emergency declared amid widespread flooding and damage

Up to four people have died - two deaths have been confirmed and two people are unaccounted for, after raging floodwaters and slips caused by heavy rain across the Auckland region.

A state of emergency has been declared across the region, with the airport closed and State Highway 1 closed or restricted in eight areas.

There is also widespread damage to homes, with many residents evacuated.

More heavy rain is falling in Auckland this morning, as residents survey the damage to their homes and streets as there is widespread chaos across the region.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has been criticised for acting too slowly in the crisis by residents and several other politicians but defended his actions late last night when speaking to reporters.

[Source: NZ Herald]