Woman killed in landslide near Motueka

A 63 year old woman has died following a large landslide near Kaiteriteri today.

Emergency services were alerted about 1.15pm today and on arrival discovered a badly damaged house, on the Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay road, Kaiteriteri.

One wall and the roof was all that remained of the house and neighbours were attempting to find the woman, who was the sole occupant of the house.

The victim's body was found partially submerged in the mud.

A landslide about 200 metres long had come down behind the property and hit the rear of the house. The landslide comes after heavy rain in the area over the last 18 hours.

Police and Search and Rescue staff have evacuated two neighbouring properties as a precaution.

Next of kin are yet to be informed and the name of the deceased will not be released at this stage.

Local Civil Defence have activated and are managing road closures and monitoring river levels.

Police expect to be able release the victim's name on Monday.

end



Senior Sergeant Stu Koefoed