Daily Times

At least four people were killed and several others went missing after Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread flooding and landslides and displaced hundreds of people in several regions in New Zealand, state-run media reported on Wednesday. Four bodies, including that of a child, were found in different areas hit by the cyclone, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said a search operation is ongoing for several missing people. “The grief of the loved ones who have died will be unimaginable,” RNZ quoted the premier as saying. “What is clear is that the devastation is widespread,” he said, adding heavy rain will continue to hit central New Zealand until Thursday with high waves along East Coast. So far, more than 9,000 people have been displaced and some 3,000 have been shifted to civil defense centers. The government also moved the army to help the affected people and Hipkins said over 700 people from New Zealand Defense Forces are involved in the efforts. “The army has moved a logistics support team of 100 people and 30 vehicles, deploying to Hawke’s Bay. Three NH90 helicopters have been conducting evacuations in Hawke’s Bay today,” he said. On Tuesday, New Zealand declared a national state of emergency in six regions including Northland, Auckland, Tairawhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Hawke’s Bay.