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Rescue teams search for missing backpacker in New Zealand
Rescue workers are searching for a British backpacker who went missing on New Zealand’s South Island last weekend.
Stephanie Simpson, aged 32, went for a hike at the Mount Aspiring national park and it is feared she might have been caught in a severe flood in the area.
Search teams began looking for her after she failed to turn up to her landscaping job on Monday and was reported missing. Drones with thermal imaging and a helicopter were being deployed today.
"Search teams remained out in the area overnight," New Zealand police said in a statement. "It is a large search area and much of it is difficult terrain."
Ms Simpson’s parents have flown to New Zealand to help look for her, according to media reports.
Hundreds of tourists were stranded for days last week after the South Island was hit by flash floods following torrential rain.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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