A devastating landslide at a popular campsite on New Zealand’s North Island has triggered a wave of fear, confusion, and heartbreak, as multiple children have now been reported missing. As emergency crews continue to dig through unstable ground, one witness has come forward with a chilling account that underscores the horror unfolding beneath the collapsed terrain.
According to the witness, the first signs of tragedy began with a noise that sounded like shifting earth — a sound that many campers initially mistook for a distant rumble of thunder. Within seconds, however, the hillside above the campsite gave way, collapsing downward and burying several tents and recreational areas beneath a mass of rock, mud, and uprooted vegetation. Panic erupted as people scrambled to escape the falling debris.
But it was what the witness heard next that has left both authorities and members of the public shaken.
“Save me, get me out of here…!”
The witness said the screams began almost immediately after the earth settled. They described the voice — high-pitched, panicked, and clearly coming from beneath the surface — as one of the most horrifying sounds they had ever heard. The cries repeated again and again, sometimes frantic, sometimes fading into muffled sobs as the buried person struggled for air and space.
For nearly 15 agonizing minutes, the witness and others stood helpless, shouting back, calling for rescuers, and trying to determine exactly where the voice was coming from. “We didn’t know where to dig,” the witness said. “Everything was covered. It was like the ground had swallowed them.”
The witness recalled people running in and out of the area, some barefoot, others injured, all calling out the names of loved ones. Campers used their hands, sticks, and whatever they could find to claw at the earth. But the ground was unstable, shifting under their weight, forcing them to back away repeatedly as small afterslides continued.
Then, just as suddenly as the screams had begun, they stopped.
The silence that followed, the witness said, was “worse than the screaming.” They described the moment as eerily still, as if the entire campsite had been suspended in shock. The air thickened with dread as those gathered realized what the silence likely meant.
Emergency teams arrived minutes later, deploying specialized rescue personnel who immediately began securing the site. However, rescue workers noted that the terrain remained extremely dangerous, with loose soil threatening to break away at any moment. Several rescuers had to be pulled back due to sudden shifts in the ground.
Authorities have not confirmed how many children are missing, but officials say “multiple minors” remain unaccounted for and are believed to be trapped somewhere within the collapsed zone. Search efforts have continued around the clock, though progress has been slow due to ongoing instability and heavy rainfall that has further softened the soil.
Police spokespersons say the initial cause of the landslide appears linked to recent severe weather patterns on the North Island, which brought heavy rains that saturated the hillside. Early assessments suggest that the soil, already weakened, loosened under pressure and collapsed without warning.
Forensic teams and geological experts are now evaluating the affected area, mapping underground voids, and listening for any signs of movement or possible survivors. Sniffer dogs have been brought in to detect human scent beneath the debris, though as of the latest updates, no additional cries or noises have been heard.
The witness who heard the initial screams said the voice sounded young — likely a child — though they could not determine who it was. That detail, combined with the number of missing minors, has deeply shaken the broader community. Families of the missing children have gathered near the perimeter of the rescue site, many holding onto hope while acknowledging the grim reality.
Authorities are urging the public to remain patient, saying the rescue mission is exceptionally delicate. “We are dealing with unstable ground, limited visibility beneath the surface, and an unknown number of victims still trapped,” one official explained. “We are doing everything possible, but we must ensure the safety of our rescue teams as well.”
Meanwhile, social media has erupted with posts from individuals describing the scene, offering prayers, support, and pleas for faster rescue efforts. Eyewitness videos show chaotic moments following the collapse—panicked campers running, dust clouds rising, and muffled shouts filling the air.
Landslides are not uncommon in New Zealand’s hilly regions, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall. However, events involving crowded public areas — especially campsites filled with families and children — are far rarer and more devastating.
As of now, investigators continue working alongside emergency responders. Officials say the rescue operation may take days before the area is fully stabilized and searched properly. Heavy machinery is being brought in, but use will be limited due to the risk of causing further collapse.
The emotional weight of the witness testimony has intensified public attention on the case. Experts say screams after a landslide often indicate partial survival in the immediate aftermath — but the sudden silence suggests that oxygen depletion, shifting soil, or injuries may have prevented further calls for help.
For now, authorities are focusing on precision rescue work. Each inch of soil is being examined carefully, with teams marking potential voids and using listening devices capable of detecting faint vibrations. They remain hopeful but realistic.
As the hours pass, families of the missing children stay close, supported by counselors, medical staff, and community volunteers. Many refuse to leave the site, waiting for any sign of progress.
The witness who heard the screams says the memory will stay with them forever. “That voice… I’ll never forget it. I just hope they heard us calling back.”
As the search continues, the tragedy at the North Island campsite serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly nature can change lives — and how fragile moments of safety can be in the face of sudden disaster.
