New Zealand declares an emergency as storm hits

Parts of New Zealand declared an emergency yesterday as a powerful storm hit, causing flooding and forcing some people to evacuate their homes.

The storm system is the remnants of Cyclone Gita, which last week ripped through the Pacific nation of Tonga, destroying homes, churches and the historic Parliament House. The winds have weakened as the storm has arced through the Pacific, but the weather is still causing disruptions in New Zealand.

National carrier Air New Zealand cancelled flights yesterday afternoon from the capital, Wellington, in anticipation of the storm. The city of Christchurch declared an emergency.

The military has been deployed to some towns where the storm is expected to have the biggest impact. Dozens of schools have been closed.