🔗 Share this article Powerful Gales Leave Tens of Thousands In the Dark in New Zealand Residents urged to stay indoors as strong winds batter the nation. Intense gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources. The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency. The nation's agencies have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions including these major districts. Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions. Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, though authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back. Domestic outlets have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts. In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week. Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video. Air travel to and from the city have been halted because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down. At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities. Much of New Zealand faces extreme climate alerts. Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments. Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned. Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback. Officials have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.