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Cyclone Gabrielle Hits North Island While New Zealand Declared National Emergency

On Tuesday, as Cyclone Gabrielle lashed the North Island with wind and rain, leaving tens of thousands without electricity, New Zealand declared National Emergency for the third time in the country's history.

Author:Hajra Shannon
Reviewer:Paula M. Graham
Feb 15, 20231.5K Shares72.8K Views
On Tuesday, as Cyclone Gabrielle lashed the North Island with wind and rain, leaving tens of thousands without electricity, New Zealand declared National Emergencyfor the third time in the country's history.
The New Zealand Meteorological Service reported winds of more than 140 kilometers per hour (87 miles per hour) along the coast, with waves reaching heights of up to 11 meters (36 feet) high near the Bay of Islands.
To hear Prime Minister Chris Hipkins tell it, the nation didn't know the extent of the calamity until Tuesday morning.

Cyclone Gabrielle: New Zealand declares national state of emergency

Impact On New Zealand

Cyclone Gabrielle is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to much of New Zealand's North Island, as well as the top of the South Island.
The MetService, New Zealand's national weather agency, has issued a severe weather warning for many parts of the country, including Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Northland.
The cyclone is expected to cause widespread flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure, including roads and buildings.

Government Response And Relief Efforts

The New Zealand government has responded to the crisis by declaring a national emergency, activating the National Crisis Management Centre, and urging people to take precautions.
The Defence Force, police, and emergency services have been working together to clear roads and restore essential services. The government has set up an emergency response centre in Wellington, where officials are coordinating the response to the disaster.
Local communities and volunteers have also been working to support relief efforts. Many businesses and individuals have offered assistance, such as providing food and shelter to those affected by the cyclone.
The New Zealand Red Cross has launched an appeal to raise funds for those affected by the disaster, with donations going towards emergency relief and support for affected communities.

Climate Change And Extreme Weather

The impact of Cyclone Gabrielle highlights the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, which are becoming more common due to climate change.
New Zealand has experienced several extreme weather events in recent years, including floods, droughts, and wildfires. The government has been taking steps to address the issue, including setting a target of net-zero emissions by 2050 and investing in renewable energy.
The impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on New Zealand is a reminder of the growing threat of extreme weather events due to climate change. It is essential that governments take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate to mitigate the impact of these events.
The response to Cyclone Gabrielle highlights the importance of preparedness and effective emergency response efforts in the face of extreme weather events, and the need for continued investment in infrastructure and resources to protect communities from the effects of climate change.

Final Words

Cyclone Gabrielle has caused significant damage and disruption to communities across New Zealand, highlighting the need for continued investment in infrastructure and resources to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
The government response to the crisis demonstrates the importance of preparedness and effective emergency response efforts in the face of natural disasters, as well as the role of community and volunteer support in times of crisis.
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Hajra Shannon

Hajra Shannon

Author
Paula M. Graham

Paula M. Graham

Reviewer
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