As a result of heavy rainfall, the New Zealand metropolis of Auckland declared a state of emergency on Friday.
The New Zealand media reported that there was about as much rain in one day as in an entire summer.
This has led to flooding in some urban areas.
The authorities had to block check-in at the international airport due to flooding.
The organizer also canceled a concert by British musician Elton John planned for the evening.
The concert is part of an extensive farewell tour that John is currently on in New Zealand.
The cancellation due to "uncertain weather conditions" was only announced shortly before the planned start of the concert.
At that time, heavy rain had hit the port city on New Zealand's North Island for the whole day.
The fire brigade had received more than 1,500 emergency calls by the evening.
"All relevant authorities are working flat out to help in exceptional circumstances," said new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who was just sworn in on Wednesday.
According to Mayor Wayne Brown, the state of emergency will initially apply for seven days.
It should enable the authorities to help the affected population as effectively as possible.
The mayor called on people to be careful and follow the authorities' instructions.