JAKARTA - The New Zealand authorities began recovery measures, after hurricane Gabrielle weakened and moved away on Wednesday, beginning to assess the significant damage caused by floods, landslides and strong winds that left four people dead and displaced thousands from their homes as a result of the typhoon.
Typhoon Gabrielle, which reached New Zealand on Sunday before trailing the east coast of the North Island, undermined the city, washed away agriculture, bridges and livestock, and flooded houses, leaving people stranded on the roof.
"Our immediate focus is on carrying out life-saving missions, for those affected by the floods that need to be saved," Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said during a press statement Wednesday.
PM Hipkins added that all residents stranded on the roofs of houses due to the flood had been rescued by the government.
"Please don't go back to your home until you are given permission to do so," he urged, warning that the situation remains dangerous even though the weather improves.
Meanwhile, residents in the worst areas are now being asked to conserve water and food, due to fears of shortages after the typhoon forced New Zealand on Tuesday to announce a national state of emergency.
PM Hipkins confirmed four people were killed by the typhoon this time, including a volunteer firefighter who responded to calls and was caught in a landslide on Monday.
With about 1,400 people missing since the typhoon crisis began, PM Hipkins said about 1,100 of them were reported to have been found and there may have been a sizeable cross between the two lists.
Part of New Zealand's North Island, where about 75 percent of the country's 5 million population live, experienced their second major storm in weeks.
Earlier, a record rainy last month sparked flash floods in Auckland and four people lost their lives at the time.
Authorities estimate more than 9,000 people have fled so far, with about 3,000 of them being accommodated in temporary shelters.
Meanwhile, authorities have deployed more than 700 personnel along with four aircraft, seven helicopters, and two naval vessels to help rescue those stranded by the flood, delivering essential supplies to remote cities, Prime Minister Hipkins said.
Separately, WeatherWatch's meteorological services said hurricane Gabrielle is now in the east of the country and continues to move away from the North Island with the weather now improving.
Domestic and international flights have resumed, although flight schedules may be disrupted for several days, Auckland Airport said in a tweet on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, Napier Port will remain closed until Thursday
However, rivers in Hawke's Bay continue to pose risks and local emergency management ordered further evacuations on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, about 160,000 customers are still experiencing blackouts, although that figure is reduced from the previous day which reached 225,000 customers. Authorities hope that number increases again on Thursday.
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