Evacuations ordered in New Zealand as Cyclone Vaianu approaches

On 2026-04-11, Cyclone Vaianu prompted evacuation orders in parts of New Zealand's North Island, including Whakatane, as the storm approached. Authorities warned of heavy rain, winds up to 130 km/h, coastal flooding, landslides, storm surge, and waves up to 13 metres. The event was reported as an immediate weather emergency rather than a completed impact event.