New Zealand is facing its biggest natural disaster this century as the death toll from Cyclone Gabrielle rises to 11. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has warned that recovery will be a “steep mountain ahead” due to the extensive damage caused by the cyclone.
The cyclone hit the northern part of the island on February 12 and tracked down the east coast, causing destruction in its wake. More fatalities are possible, Hipkins said, as more than 6,400 people are still missing. The disruption to telecommunications, shortages of freshwater, and damaged roads have restricted access to some areas, while supply chains have been disrupted, crops destroyed, and 28,000 homes are still without power.
In response to the disaster, New Zealand declared a national state of emergency for only the third time in its history. The country is now accepting offers of help from the United States and other countries, with a team from Fiji set to leave for New Zealand in the coming days. Twenty-seven emergency workers from Australia are already assisting with relief efforts.
The Auckland Council is carrying out rapid building assessments on damaged homes in Muriwai and Piha, while emergency authorities and the military are dropping critical supplies from helicopters to communities stranded since the cyclone. Police have sent an extra 100 officers to Hawke’s Bay and nearby Tairawhiti, including to isolated areas, after reports of looting.
The full extent of the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle is yet to be seen, but Prime Minister Hipkins has warned that it will take time for power to be restored to some areas and the cleanup will take much longer than that. As New Zealand continues to grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster, the government is doing all it can to ensure that those affected receive the help they need.