The huge landslip will see tourists face an uneasy wait for rescuers. Authorities in New Zealand have warned the tourists they may not be saved until Friday. The mudslides happened near the Franz and Fox glaciers, which, Sky News reports, is on the country’s south island.
Local civil defence controller John Canning issued the devastating update following the incidents.
He admitted that an exit had been cleared to save some tourists but at 800, or “possibly 1,000” were still left at the Franz Josef Glacier.
He said it would be a “very awkward few days where people are going to be trapped”.
According to The Guardian, the country’s Met Service said central and western areas in the North Island would likely be struck by severe thunderstorms.
They expected downpours could create around 25mm to 40mm of rain per hour.
The service also said “small tornadoes” were possible.
It added: “Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.”
On Twitter, the service concluded: “The active cold front over central New Zealand continues to deliver rain over to the upper South Island and the Wellington area.
“Thunderstorms are expected to bring strong winds and squally conditions to the Taranaki region particularly.”
It comes after a weekend of devastating weather across New Zealand.
Widespread flooding was reported in the Timaru district, which has been in a state of emergency since Saturday.
The region’s council reassured the public assessments on the area would be carried out and support provided to those affected.