🔗 Share this article Fierce Gales Leave Tens of Thousands In the Dark in the Island Nation Residents encouraged to avoid going out as strong winds strike the nation. Severe winds attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes without power and compelled officials to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources. The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency. The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts. People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages. Broad Impact and Crisis Measures This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, while agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated. Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds. Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week. Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage. Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating. Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations. A large portion of New Zealand faces severe weather warnings. Strike Action During Extreme Weather These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions. However the intense climate has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled. Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback. Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.