What is the location of the flooding?
As of April 20, 2026, severe flash flooding is impacting Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, situated on the southern coast of the North Island. (1)
The flooding has been driven by intense rainfall that has overwhelmed urban drainage systems and caused rivers and stormwater channels to overflow into surrounding neighborhoods. (2)
The flooding is concentrated in low-lying urban areas, flood-prone suburbs, and regions near stormwater systems and coastal zones, with widespread impacts across the Wellington metropolitan area.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
The following cities and areas have been directly impacted by the flooding:
- Karori
- Kingston
- Lower Hutt
- Mornington
- Newtown
- Stokes Valley
- Wellington
- Whanganui District
Floodwaters have impacted residential homes, roads, and infrastructure across these areas, with particularly severe impacts in southern and low-lying suburbs. (3)
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
As of April 20, 2026, the flooding is partially contained, with water levels receding in some areas while ongoing risks remain due to continued rainfall and saturated ground conditions. (4)
Emergency crews are actively engaged in clean-up operations, debris removal, and response efforts. However, additional storms and heavy rain forecasts continue to pose a threat of further flooding.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities have issued evacuation advisories for residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas, urging them to relocate to safer locations if conditions worsen and to avoid all non-essential travel. (5)
Emergency shelters have been set up, including support services coordinated by the Wellington City Mission, to assist displaced residents.
Officials have also warned the public not to walk or drive through floodwaters due to the risk of strong currents, hidden debris, and rapidly changing conditions.
Emergency alerts remain in place as severe weather continues to pose risks, including further flooding and landslides. Emergency services have responded to a high number of incidents across the region, and residents are advised to stay informed through official updates and be prepared to act quickly if the situation escalates.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
