Evacuations Under Way After “Biblical” Weather In Gisborne District

Evacuations are under way after “biblical” weather in Gisborne District – with some saying it is the worst weather since Cyclone Bola in 1988. It caused severe flooding up the coast from Gisborne in Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay. Emergency Management Minister and East Coast MP Kiri Allan says 150 people had been evacuated and 750 homes were without power. The Hikuwai River, normally a gentle 1 metre deep river had risen rapidly to a depth of more than 12 metres . Tairāwhiti Civil Defence declared a 7 day State of Emergency following the severe weather with falling trees and floodwaters causing a number of power poles and lines to come down. As we go to air State Highway 35 from Gisborne around East Cape to Ōpōtiki is closed because of flooding, slips and washouts.