As local workers report being held up at gunpoint, the death toll from Cyclone Gabrielle has risen to eleven, and thousands more people remain missing in the wake of the horrific cyclone that struck New Zealand.
After making landfall on February 12, the category two hurricane left a path of destruction from the northern tip of the country to the east coast of the North Island.
In the particularly hard-hit Hawke’s Bay region, authorities verified two more cyclone-related deaths on Sunday, bringing the total number of known fatalities to 11.
Nonetheless, 3,000 individuals have still to be located in broad areas cut off by floodwaters or damage, with power and communication problems persisting.
Joseph Ahuriri, a 40-year-old father of eight children, has not communicated with his spouse Clarissa Poi since Monday night.
Mr. Ahuriri, who was visiting family in Hawke’s Bay, was on the road when the Gabrielle struck. He decided to ride out the storm in a motel in Napier, but he has not been heard from since.
Ms. Poi told the New Zealand Herald, “Seven days have passed since our last conversation, and every passing minute breaks my heart.”
Ms. Ahuiriri stated that she was able to travel to Napier, and she is aware that Mr. Ahuriri departed the hotel on Tuesday morning.
She said, “I’m desperate, like many others, for answers, but in my case, my partner doesn’t have a residing address in Napier or Hawke’s Bay, so I’m fearing the worst but holding out hope.”
“I can’t bear to look them in the eyes and tell them, “I didn’t find daddy,” because our children are equally concerned,”
9,000 people in the region were forced to evacuate their homes, with 100 of them unreachable as of Monday, according to Hawke’s Bay police.
Approximately 1,900 evacuees were still taking refuge in civil defense centers.
In the aftermath of the storm, there have been reports of looters and gangs running amok with road workers having guns pointed at them.
Residents of Hawke’s Bay have erected roadblocks to prevent thieves from entering their suburbs, and police have arrested 42 individuals so far.
Traffic manager Ryan Lawson told the New Zealand website Newsroom that a pistol and sawed-off shotgun were pointed at his crew as they attempted to divert traffic during road repairs.
“That was a truly terrifying moment for us, and the team had no choice but to leave,” he said.
Police Minister Stuart Nash was compelled to justify his statement that gangs should not use storm victims at this time.
A radio host asked the minister when the “right moment” to commit a crime was. The minister responded, “There is no proper time.”
Mr. Nash stated, “The police are on this, and as a community, we will not tolerate such behavior by gangs.”
100 additional police officers have been dispatched to the Hawke’s Bay region in an effort to restore peace.
Chris Hipkins, the prime minister of New Zealand, has called Gabrielle the nation’s worst natural tragedy of the 21st century.
The prime minister stated, “The actual depth of the devastation and tragedy becomes evident with each passing day.”
“This is a unique occurrence. Be kind, be patient. You will survive this.’
Affected regions continue to experience telecommunications problems, fresh water shortages, and damaged roads that hinder access.
Some goods are in short supply due to disruptions in supply chains, while many crops have been destroyed and 28,000 homes are still without electricity.
As a result of the destruction of farm structures, bridges, and livestock, emergency personnel and the military have been dropping vital supplies from helicopters onto stranded communities.
Australia has dispatched a relief team of 27 personnel, and 12 other nations have offered international aid and assistance.
»Cyclone Gabrielle aftermath in New Zealand: looters warned, 3000 missing, 11 dead«
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