New Zealand has said it is open to offers of international assistance as it battles with the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, which caused widespread flooding and landslides in the country’s north and cut off some towns. Five people have been confirmed dead after four days of strong winds and torrential rain. Also, Authorities say 100 are missing and 10,500 more have been displaced.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins today warned New Zealanders recovery would take time, with power not expected to be restored to some areas for weeks and the cleanup likely to take much longer. After initially setting aside offers of help from the United States and other countries, Hipkins admitted the country are accepting offers of international assistance.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Defence Force has deployed two large ships and a C-130 Hercules transport plane to deliver thousands of litres of water along with personnel and several mobile water treatment plants to the most hard-hit regions. It has also used helicopters to deliver supplies and rescue hundreds of people stranded on their rooftops.
Chidozie Chima | September 13, 2024
