A state of emergency was declared in Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday, January 27, as severe flooding followed near-record rainfall in the city.

Mayor Wayne Brown said the declaration would better allow emergency services to assist locals.

This footage from Lis Gallant shows floodwater running down Queen Street, a major commercial thoroughfare.

Newly appointed Prime Minister Chris Hipkins tweeted that “all relevant government agencies are working flat out to help in an extraordinary set of circumstances.”

Auckland’s MetService said that over 15 cm of rain fell between 9 am and 8 pm on Friday, coming close to breaking the previous rainfall record. Credit: Lis Gallant via Storyful