Auckland: Up to four dead - state of emergency declared

A state of emergency has been declared in Auckland following a severe storm and biblical rain that has caused widespread flooding and damage.

Up to four people have died in raging floodwaters and slips - two people have been confirmed dead and two are missing.

Domestic flights have resumed at Auckland Airport but international flights won't start departing until 5pm at the earliest, and international arrivals won't resume until 4am Sunday.

More than 2000 calls for assistance have been made around the city including 126 people trapped in cars or houses

A record 24 hours of rainfall in Auckland - 249mm, smashing the previous 24-hour record of 161.8mm

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is on his way to Auckland on a special Defence Force flight

[Source: NZ Herald]