‘Slope mountain ahead,’ the prime minister said as 11 deaths were confirmed so far after the storm swept through the north and east of the country.
At least 11 dead and thousands missing in New Zealand after Hurricane Gabrielle attacked the North Island last week.
The cyclone hit the northern part of the island on February 12 and made its way down the east coast, causing widespread destruction.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has called Gabrielle New Zealand’s biggest natural disaster this century.
On Sunday, police reported two more tornado-related deaths in hard-hit Hawke’s Bay.
Hipkins told reporters in Wellington because there could be more deaths, Hipkins told reporters in Wellington because more than 6,400 people are missing.
Life has been “turned upside down” and recovery is “a steep mountain ahead”, he said, pointing to disrupted telecommunications, fresh water shortages and damaged roads still limiting further progress. close to some areas.
Supply chains have been disrupted, causing movement problems; crops have been destroyed; and 28,000 homes are still without electricity, Hipkins said.
Last week, he warned that restoration would take time with power expected to be back in some areas for weeks, and cleanup could take longer than that.
After initially ignoring offers of help from the United States and other countries, Hipkins said New Zealand is now accept them.
On Tuesday, New Zealand declare a national emergency for the third time in its history.
Hipkins said a team from Fiji will arrive in New Zealand in the coming days to assist with the recovery, one of 12 international aid offers received so far. 27 emergency workers from Australia are supporting relief efforts.
Teams from Auckland Council conducted a rapid construction assessment of damaged homes on Sunday in the coastal areas of Muriwai and Piha, about 60 kilometers from the nation’s largest city, Auckland. (40 miles) to the west.
Emergency agencies and the military have released vital supplies from helicopters to stranded communities since the storm swept away farms, bridges, livestock and flooded homes. overwhelm.
Police sent 100 more officers to nearby Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti, including isolated areas, following reports of looting.
