What is the name and location of the cyclone?
As of April 11, 2026, Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is approaching New Zealand, specifically impacting the North Island.
The cyclone is moving southward toward the country after forming in the Pacific region and is expected to bring severe weather conditions across multiple regions (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the cyclone?
Several regions across New Zealand’s North Island are expected to be affected by Cyclone Vaianu.
Authorities have issued warnings and emergency measures in multiple locations, including:
- Waikato region, including Coromandel
- Auckland, with risks of flooding and transport disruption
- Whakatāne District, including Ōhope and Thornton
- Hawke’s Bay, including Hastings coastal areas
- Northland, Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua
- Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula under severe wind warnings
These areas are experiencing threats such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal flooding, and landslides.
What is the projected path and intensity of the cyclone?
Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to make landfall across the North Island on Sunday, bringing intense and potentially damaging weather as it moves southeast. The cyclone is expected to generate wind speeds of up to 120 to 140 km/h, along with heavy rainfall that could lead to river flooding and landslides (2).
The cyclone is projected to pass west of the Chatham Islands by Monday. The most severe conditions are likely to occur from late Sunday morning through the afternoon.
The cyclone’s center is expected to track across regions such as Coromandel and Hawke’s Bay. However, hazardous weather conditions may begin earlier, even before the center of the cyclone reaches these areas (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Multiple evacuation orders and emergency alerts have been issued across affected regions as authorities prepare for the cyclone.
Mandatory evacuations are in place in parts of Whakatāne, including coastal areas, while residents in beachfront properties in Hastings have also been ordered to leave.
In addition, residents in Ōpōtiki and other low-lying coastal zones have been advised to evacuate immediately. Across the North Island, thousands of people have been instructed to leave their homes as a precaution.
States of emergency have been declared in several regions, including Waikato, Northland, Whakatāne, and Hawke’s Bay.
Emergency shelters and Civil Defence centers have been activated, and residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages, flooding, and possible delays in emergency response services (4).
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.
