State of emergency declared in Wellington due to severe flooding

New Zealand has declared a state of emergency in its capital city Wellington as torrential rain and flash flooding drenched the country's North Island.

Wellington received a record 77mm of rain in less than an hour on Monday, leading to widespread disruption including submerged vehicles, uprooted trees, and landslides damaging houses.

More than a dozen people have been evacuated, and a 60-year-old man in the Karori suburb has been reported missing.

No fatalities have been confirmed so far.

Several schools have closed and some flights at Wellington Airport have been cancelled due to the flooding.

Local authorities have advised residents to stay indoors as rain is forecast to continue for the next day and a half.

The Wellington regional emergency management office has urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and recommended that those living in low-lying or flood-prone areas consider relocating temporarily to friends or family.

This flooding event follows closely on the heels of Cyclone Vaianu, which swept through New Zealand's North Island less than a week ago, compounding the region's vulnerability to extreme weather.

Mayor Andrew Little described the flooding as strong enough to move cars and lift many manhole covers.

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