🔗 Share this article Fierce Winds Leave Tens of Thousands In the Dark in New Zealand Residents encouraged to stay indoors as strong winds lash the region. Powerful gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets. The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service. Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury. People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures. Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, though authorities report that power was being restored progressively. Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales. Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week. Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video. Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down. Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities. A large portion of New Zealand is under severe weather warnings. Work Stoppages During Harsh Weather The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments. However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled. Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback. Officials have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.