News
Thousands were missing in New Zealand; better news today
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#NewZealand, February 24, 2023 – Over two thousand people were reported as missing when the unprecedented devastation caused in Cyclone Gabrielle struck New Zealand on February 15, now that figure is in the single digits and 11 are dead.
At its peak, as many as 5,000 people were unaccounted for, up to early this week.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who replaced Jacinda Ardern in late January, says the natural disaster is the worst in a generation and more devastating than anything in the 21st century.
It is expected to cost up to $8 billion to repair the damage from the cyclone which caused severe flooding, forcing people onto rooftops to avoid drowning in their own homes as the water rose rapidly.
The cyclone hit the northern regions worst, making landfall on February 12 then storming down the east coast ripping up trees and flooding neighborhoods.
A State of Emergency has been declared which is extremely rare for the South Pacific country emphasizing the scale of the destruction.
Rescue efforts are currently continuing.