🔗 Share this article Intense Gales Cause Tens of Thousands In the Dark in New Zealand Residents advised to avoid going out as severe gales lash the nation. Intense gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to cancel more than 100 flights, based on domestic outlets. These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency. Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington. People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for additional utility disruptions. Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, though officials state that power was being gradually reinstated. Domestic outlets have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts. In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week. Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage. Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed. At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts. A large portion of New Zealand is under severe weather warnings. Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather These intense gusts on Thursday come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments. But the intense climate has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled. Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions. Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.