New Zealand Declares National Emergency amid cyclone Gabrielle disaster

HY News 14 February, 2023 11:47 am IST
news-details

Text Size:

The New Zealand government declared a national state of emergency Tuesday after a tropical storm lashed the North Island.

Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty signed the declaration as tens of thousands of homes were left without power following heavy rain and strong winds. "This is an unprecedented weather event that is having major impacts across much of the North Island," McAnulty said.

This is only the third time New Zealand has declared a state of emergency -- the other two were the 2019 Christchurch terror attacks and 2020 Covid pandemic.

Flood waters and landslides have cut off many settlements across the country including some near Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. The New Zealand Fire and Emergency services said a firefighter is missing and another is in a critical condition after a house collapsed in West Auckland.

"It's been a tough night for the North Island as a whole but it's been especially tough for fire and emergency," said Kerry Gregory, chief executive of the fire service.

It is reported that over 38 thousand homes were left without power following heavy rain and strong winds. Flood waters and landslides have cut off many settlements across the country including some near Auckland which is New Zealand's largest city.


Days after restricting site, Pakistan announced to unblock Wikipedia

Syria: 53 Killed In Ambush Blamed On ISIS

Related News

Leave Comments