ANKARA

New Zealand on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Auckland, the major city in the country's North Island, after heavy rain caused havoc in the area, state-run media reported.

An official of Auckland Emergency Management, Rachel Kelleher, said that northern parts of Auckland had experienced "really heavy" rain that would continue until midnight, Radio New Zealand reported.

Floods after rain caused disruption in transport and authorities asked people to avoid unnecessary travel due to fear of landslides.

Local authorities also closed schools in affected areas while train services were also suspended.

The country's Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty said the government will step up support for those affected by flooding in Auckland.

The country's MetService warned that further downpour is expected to continue tomorrow as Auckland city had received 90% of its annual rainfall so far this year, the state-run media said.

“Fire and Emergency New Zealand has received 277 weather-related calls for help in the last seven hours," Fire and Emergency New Zealand wrote on Twitter.

In January, at least three people were killed when Auckland was hit by record rainfall and flooding.

In February, at least eight people were killed when New Zealand was hit by Cyclone Gabrielle which compelled the authorities to declare a national state of emergency in six regions, including Northland, Auckland, Tairawhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Hawke’s Bay.