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Severe winds attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.

The gales are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.

Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.

Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.

Broad Destruction and Crisis Response

The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.

Regional news have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.

Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.

Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.

Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.

Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.

Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions

These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.

But the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.

Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.

Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.