The death toll from Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand increased to eight on Friday, according to Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who warned that the number is likely to rise as rescue personnel establish touch with hundreds of isolated villages.
The storm, which hit New Zealand’s North Island’s northernmost region on Sunday before moving down the east coast, cut off communities, destroyed farms, bridges, and cattle, and flooded homes, leaving some stranded on rooftops.
“We must be prepared for the likelihood that this will result in more fatalities across the country. We will not know the actual scale of this for some time,” Hipkins said.
As of Friday afternoon, little over 4,500 persons had reported with the police as having lost contact with friends or family since the hurricane struck. The police assume that the majority of them lack access to communication networks.
Hipkins stated, “This is without a doubt the worst natural disaster we’ve seen probably in a century.” The extent of the destruction is significant because it affects such a broad geographical area.
He stated that submerged fields could affect the availability of fruits and vegetables in multiple regions.
Two temporary morgues have been established in Hawke’s Bay, one of the hardest-hit regions, which is predominantly rural but includes the cities of Napier, Hastings, and Wairoa.
Over 62,000 residences are still without electricity, making communication and access difficult in various regions.
Hipkins reported that a team of specialists from Australia had come to assist with the rescue and relief efforts.
The military is utilizing ships and aircraft to bring supplies to portions of the east coast, while convoys of trucks carrying crucial supplies are making their way into distant regions.
In Hawke’s Bay, helicopters and boats were dispatched alongside ground-based search and rescue teams to check on individuals in remote villages.
The weather has begun to improve, with clear skies predicted for the majority of the North Island this weekend.
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