Two children are among the people missing after the land beneath their house gave way, causing it to partially collapse.

Four people were killed in an outbreak of tornadoes in Oklahoma today.

Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland has reminded the world again that it has the power to disrupt international travel.

Tsunami-wrecked houses in Samoa are being rebuilt on higher ground - but without protection against cyclones or earthquakes, engineers say.

Forecast rain today is expected to raise the Lake Wakatipu level, but not beyond its peak, reassures Queenstown Lakes District Council.

River flow levels and a minimal rain forecast suggest Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu might only rise by a further 10cm.

Northland's drought may be endangering motorists - and stock - as hungry farm animals go wandering for food and water.

Queenstown businesses are being warned to brace for potential flooding as more heavy rain is predicted over the next two days.

The brief respite of rain for Northland farmers yesterday is not enough to quench the parched pastures.

More stranded trampers will be flown out of flooded walking tracks a day after 120 were evacuated from the Milford Track.

Trampers were evacuated by air, phonelines cut and bridges washed out last night as the South Island was inundated by rain and flooding.

It's Bjork's fault. "One day it will happen," sings the Icelandic star on the prophetic 1993 song, One Day.