A high school principal has paid tribute to a “treasured” pupil who died on a school trip to a flooded cave in New Zealand.
Police recovered the body of the student who vanished in a cave when floodwaters hit his school trip to Abbey Caves on Tuesday morning.
The group of 15 students and two adults had entered the cave network in WhangÄrei as part of an outdoor education class, authorities said. The others made it out safely.
The death has raised questions about why school officials chose to go ahead with the trip even after forecasters warned heavy rain was approaching.
The district council website cautions people to “check weather forecast as caves can be prone to flash flooding.” The site says the cave system features dramatic limestone outcrops, sink holes and three significant caves.
“We acknowledge this event has been very distressing for the school and wider community, and that there are a number of questions the public will have,” Police Superintendent Tony Hill said in a statement. “At the moment, police’s focus is on supporting those affected.”
Hill said the body was recovered late Tuesday.
WhangÄrei Boys’ High School Principal Karen Gilbert-Smith wrote on Facebook that the event was “hugely upsetting” for all those involved.
“As we have already expressed that our thoughts and aroha [sympathies] are firmly with the whÄnau [family] and the students – even more so now that a body of one of our students tragically has been recovered.
“It is really important for me to let you know how devastated we are that one of our whÄnau have lost a much loved, and treasured, son and brother…… and the impact of this tragedy is being felt widely amongst our school staff, students and community.”
Further south, the heavy rainfall and flooding Tuesday prompted authorities in Auckland to declare a state of emergency. The declaration remained in place Wednesday morning as the weather eased.
Fire and emergency crews said they responded to more than 200 calls on Tuesday, most of them in Auckland. Many were for floodwaters entering buildings, but they had also responded to landslides, falling trees and trapped cars. Some train and bus services were cancelled, and authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary travel.
Severe weather has plagued the North Island this year. In January, four people were killed when floodwaters hit Auckland. In February, 11 people died when Cyclone Gabrielle hit.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said it was a difficult time for the region.
He said Tuesday he’d yet to find out all the details on what had happened to the student.
“I do want to express my deep concern there and my absolute support for the school community,” Hipkins said.
