New Zealand declares a national state of emergency for the third time in history as Cyclone Gabrielle causes havoc. As a result of Cyclone Gabrielles extensive floods, landslides, and significant ocean swells, many people were left stranded on rooftops and required to evacuate. There were about 225,000 people without electricity.After the declaration, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told the media, “It has been a big night for New Zealanders across the country, but notably in the upper North Island. A lot of families displaced, a lot of homes without electricity, and extensive damage done across the country.”At 3 p.m. (0200 GMT), Gabrielle was about 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Auckland, close to the countrys North Islands east coast. Gabrielle is forecast to keep heading southeast, nearly parallel to the coast. Much of the east coast of the North Island and upper South Island are still under weather warnings.The worst of the storm has passed through New Zealand, according to disaster management minister Kieran McAnulty, but more rain and strong winds are still to come.He added that the nation was experiencing severe flooding, landslides, and infrastructural destruction. Substations and electrical networks have been damaged, according to transmission firms around the nation. According to Megan Woods, minister of energy, 225,000 people lack access to power.While rivers continue to swell and tremendous surf inundates beachfront residences, authorities have evacuated beach villages and are encouraging even more residents to abandon their homes. Many roads have been closed and mobile services are down across the island.In the past, when did New Zealand declare a National EmergencyThe national emergency was previously declared in New Zealand twice, first after the earthquake in 2011, and then during the Covid-19 pandemic that occurred in the year 2020. And third now, amid cyclone.Fear mounts over missing firemenAccording to media reports, No deaths are reported so far, but its too early to tell how many people have been injured or missing so far. But, the case of a volunteer firefighter who vanished on Monday night after a house fell nearby Auckland was receiving special attention. Authorities said that another firefighter had already been saved, but search operations had to be suspended out of fear for their safety.” At a very early hour this morning, one person was saved, and they are currently receiving critical care. Due to the unstable terrain, the search for our second firefighter was put on hold in the early morning hours “Kerry Gregory, the chief of fire and emergency, said.Weather alert in New ZealandAuckland, the largest city in New Zealand, has a population of about 1.6 million. They were already struggling to clean up after the area was hit by major floods two weeks ago. And now, the weather department has expected more rain and high winds. The upper South Island is also anticipated to experience severe weather as the cyclone moves.The national state of emergency was declared in aid of Cyclone Gabrielle. The six districts have previously declared the local emergency, they are Northland, Auckland, Tairawhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Hawkes Bay.
