Pakistan, Jan. 25 -- New Zealand authorities halted recovery operations on Sunday after safety concerns emerged at a deadly landslide site that struck a busy campground during peak summer holiday season.

The landslide occurred at Mount Maunganui on the North Island's east coast, where heavy rainfall caused soil and debris to collapse into an area crowded with families.

Six people, including two teenagers, are presumed dead following the incident, which unfolded on Thursday and quickly turned from a rescue mission into a recovery operation.

Officials had been working to identify victims after human remains were discovered on Saturday, raising hopes of bringing closure to grieving families.

However, recovery efforts were suspended when ...