Operations switched to recovery for 6 missing at campground landslide site in New Zealand

​​​​​​​By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Search and rescue operations were shifted to recovery efforts Saturday at a landslide-hit campground on New Zealand’s northern coast, as authorities said it is unlikely six missing people are still alive.

"For three days since the landslide occurred at Mount Maunganui campground, every New Zealander has been hoping for a miracle," said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a statement on US social media company X.

Police have confirmed fatalities at the campground and "the reality that no one would have been able to survive, therefore the rescue operation taking place there is now moving to a recovery," he added.

"Our focus now is on the recovery and on supporting those who are grieving the loss of their beloved family member," he said.

The landslide hit the campsite Thursday after record rainfall, flattening tents and sweeping a campervan into nearby hot pools.

Radio New Zealand said human remains have been found beneath the soil, although the identification process is expected to take some time.

The six missing victims have been identified as Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50; Mans Loke Bernhardsson, 20; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71; Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, and Sharon Maccanico and Max Furse-Kee, both 15.

Emergency services are also attempting to determine the whereabouts of three people who may have been at the site as tourists and could have left the area.

"From what we have seen, the building suffered catastrophic damage, and we are confronted with the reality that it is highly unlikely anyone would have been able to survive," said police, who described the scene as "incredibly challenging."

Two people were reported dead Friday from a separate landslide hitting a house in Welcome Bay.