A terrified Australian tourist has described the split-second moment he narrowly escaped death when a powerful landslide tore through a campground in New Zealand, as emergency crews race against time amid growing fears that multiple victims — including children — may still be buried beneath the rubble.

The man, who was camping at the site when the disaster struck, said the ground began to collapse without warning, sending tons of earth, rocks, and debris crashing down where families had been gathered just moments earlier. What followed was chaos, confusion, and scenes he says will haunt him forever.

“Everything just gave way”

Speaking after the ordeal, the Australian survivor said he had no time to react.

“It was the scariest thing I’ve ever felt in my life,” he said. “One second everything was normal, and the next the ground was coming down on us.”

The landslide struck suddenly, triggered by unstable terrain following recent weather conditions. Witnesses described hearing a loud rumble before the hillside gave way, burying tents, vehicles, and parts of the campground under a thick mass of mud and rock.

The tourist said he managed to escape by running just seconds before the debris engulfed the area where he had been standing.

“If I had been a few steps slower, I wouldn’t be here,” he said.

Campground turns into disaster zone

What had been a peaceful campground quickly transformed into a scene resembling a natural disaster zone. Emergency responders arrived to find widespread destruction, with tents flattened, personal belongings scattered, and parts of the site completely inaccessible due to unstable ground.

Rescue teams immediately began searching through the debris, calling out for survivors and using specialized equipment to detect signs of life beneath the rubble. Authorities confirmed that multiple people were unaccounted for as operations continued.

As daylight faded, the urgency intensified, with officials expressing deep concern that those still missing could be trapped under several meters of debris.

Fears grow for children

Authorities have confirmed that families were staying at the campground at the time of the landslide, raising fears that children may be among those still buried.

Rescue crews have not released an official number of missing victims, but officials acknowledged that the situation is “extremely serious” and that the chances of survival diminish with each passing hour.

Search efforts have been complicated by unstable ground conditions, with the risk of further landslides forcing teams to proceed cautiously.

“We are doing everything possible,” one official said. “But this is a very dangerous environment for rescuers.”

Survivor recounts scenes of panic

The Australian tourist described hearing screams as people scrambled to escape.

“There was yelling, people crying, parents looking for their kids,” he said. “It was absolute panic.”

He recalled seeing parts of the campground disappear under mud and rocks in seconds, leaving behind nothing but silence and devastation.

Many survivors were treated at the scene for shock and minor injuries, while others were transported to nearby medical facilities.

Emergency response under pressure

Search and rescue teams, including police, firefighters, and specialist disaster response units, have been working around the clock since the landslide occurred. Heavy machinery has been brought in to help clear debris, while dogs trained to locate trapped victims have been deployed.

Authorities have also set up a command center near the site to coordinate rescue efforts and support families desperately awaiting news of loved ones.

Local officials warned that weather conditions remain unpredictable, adding further challenges to an already dangerous operation.

Community in shock

The landslide has sent shockwaves through local communities and beyond, particularly among travelers and campers who frequent the area.

Residents described the campground as a popular and family-friendly site, making the scale of the tragedy even harder to comprehend.

Counseling services have been offered to survivors, witnesses, and rescue workers as the emotional toll of the disaster continues to mount.

Questions about safety and warning systems

As the rescue operation continues, questions are emerging about whether adequate warnings were in place and if the risk of landslides had been properly assessed.

Authorities have not indicated that any negligence occurred, but officials confirmed that a full investigation will be launched once search efforts conclude.

Experts note that landslides can occur with little warning, particularly in areas with steep terrain and saturated soil, making them among the most unpredictable natural disasters.

A narrow escape — and lingering trauma

For the Australian tourist who survived, the physical escape is only part of the story.

“I keep replaying it in my head,” he said. “Knowing that others didn’t make it out… that’s something I’ll carry forever.”

As search crews continue to dig through debris, the campground remains sealed off, a stark reminder of how quickly nature can turn deadly.

For now, the focus remains on finding those still missing — and providing answers to families desperately hoping for a miracle.