New Zealand has extended its state of emergency as Cyclone Gabrielle continues to wreak havoc across the country. The cyclone, which made landfall on February 26, has caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in road closures and evacuations. The state of emergency, which was initially declared for one week, has been extended for another seven days.
According to the New Zealand MetService, the North Island has been hit the hardest by the cyclone, with heavy rain and strong winds causing flooding and landslides. The cities of Auckland and Whangarei have been particularly affected, with roads and homes flooded and many residents forced to evacuate.
The New Zealand Transport Agency has reported numerous road closures due to flooding and slips, including State Highway 1 and State Highway 12 in Northland. The agency is advising motorists to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
The New Zealand Defence Force has been called in to help with the emergency response, with personnel assisting with evacuations and providing support to affected communities. The Defence Force has also deployed helicopters to survey the damage and assess the need for further assistance.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed her concern for those affected by the cyclone and has praised the efforts of emergency services and volunteers in responding to the crisis. “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the severe weather and flooding caused by Cyclone Gabrielle,” Ardern said in a statement.
“This is a difficult time for many communities, but we know that New Zealanders are resilient and will come together to support one another. I want to thank the emergency services and volunteers who are working tirelessly to respond to the crisis and keep our communities safe.”
The state of emergency allows emergency services to take extraordinary measures to protect the public and property during a crisis. This can include evacuating people from their homes, setting up emergency shelters, and closing roads and public spaces.
New Zealand has a history of extreme weather events, including cyclones, floods, and earthquakes. In 2011, the city of Christchurch was hit by a devastating earthquake that killed 185 people and caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The country has since implemented measures to improve its emergency response capabilities, including the establishment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in 2019. NEMA is responsible for coordinating the government’s response to emergencies and disasters, including providing support to affected communities and coordinating the deployment of emergency services.
As Cyclone Gabrielle continues to impact New Zealand, it is important for residents to stay informed and follow the advice of emergency services. This may include evacuating their homes if necessary, staying off the roads, and taking precautions to protect themselves and their property. While the state of emergency is in place, New Zealanders can be assured that emergency services are doing everything they can to keep them safe during this difficult time.
