Photos show how badly storms hit the North Island

Severe weather has forced evacuations, triggered rescues and caused widespread disruption across the upper North Island as heavy rain and strong winds battered communities overnight.

Multiple areas remain in states of emergency as rescue teams evacuate residents by boat and land, and respond to reports of homes damaged by slips.

Floodwaters have cut off access to towns, closed key highways, and left thousands without power as conditions slowly ease, but not without leaving hazards behind after days of heavy rain.

As daylight emerged, so did photographs showing the devastation left behind.

A witness has described seeing a caravan tossed into a pool and widespread damage after a “massive” landslide destroyed parts of the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, with several people now unaccounted for.

A large slip has hit the campsite at Mount Maunganui, with fears that people are trapped. Police have confirmed emergency services are trying to find several people who may be buried.

There was a scene of devastation at Punaruku near Te Araroa this morning.

Murky floodwaters are nearing homes in Tirohia, near Paeroa.

Storm damage at Punaruku Bridge near Tokomaru Bay has tipped trees onto the road and tilted nearby powerlines.

Extensive flooding can be seen from Anthree overlooking the estuary towards Waihī.

Eve Roper was out with her sons helping people with sandbags when they returned home to find a slip at her property on Motuhoa Rd.

“I’m not sure what happens next,” she told the Herald.

Fence lines are almost completely underwater and only the tops of shrubs can be seen after flooding in the Bay of Plenty.

Flooding is rising towards the balcony of a Whangapoua home.

Russell Rd is closed after wild weather toppled a tree onto the road.

Tents have been abandoned as flood waters rush through an Oakura campsite.