New Zealand: cyclone Gabrielle claim two lives, rescue operations continue

Rescues were continuing in New Zealand on Wednesday after a cyclone brought extensive flooding and landslides that claimed at least two lives.

Cyclone Gabrielle struck the country’s north on Monday and has brought more destruction to this nation of 5 million than any weather event in years.

New Zealand Defence Force's John Hays said hundreds of people were were rescued from rooftops around the Hawkes Bay area.

The body of a volunteer firefighter was retrieved from a landslide that destroyed a flooded house near Auckland on Hawke’s Bay, Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty said.

Helicopters would help make the final 25 rescues of individuals and family groups on Wednesday.

Around 9,000 people have been forced from their homes since Monday, with several communities isolated by floodwaters and landslides, he said.

Auckland was swamped two weeks ago by a record-breaking storm that killed four people.

A national emergency was declared Tuesday, enabling the government to support affected regions and provide additional resources. It is only the third national emergency ever declared.

Also watch: New Zealand: 7-day long state of emergency declared after Cyclone Gabrielle wreaks havoc on North Island