@renewsnz

class="content__text" 😭😭😭 more flooding again. Parts of Auckland are flooded this evening while the Coromandel, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay are under heavy rain warnings. There’s torrential rain in Auckland and a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Auckland. This video shows flooding in Swanson, near Henderson in West Auckland. Earlier this evening, emergency alerts were sent out to Auckland residents in Rodney, Helensville, Upper Harbour, Te Atatu, Henderson Valley, Bethells Beach, Piha, Karekare and Muriwai. The alert warned locals about landslides and flash flooding which could be brought on by “high intensity localised downpours”. And at 6.45pm, Fire and Emergency NZ saved people who were trapped in their cars in Dairy Flat. A slip has closed State Highway 1 from Waipu to Brynderwyn, and there’s mandatory evacuation orders in place for Esk Valley. This comes after Cyclone Gabrielle which has devastated the East Coast of the North Island. As of Thursday, 11 people - including a child - have died and more than 50 people remain uncontactable. A state of national emergency was extended by the Government on Monday as communities continue to feel the impact of the cyclone. This also comes after parts of Auckland were flooded at the end of January - at the time, people were forced to evacuate their homes and wade through deep floodwaters to get to safety. As a precaution, people in affected areas should: - Avoid any unnecessary travel and shelter in place. - Gather essential items to take with you if you need to evacuate. Prepare to take your pets. - If you see rising water, act asap - floods and landslips can happen quickly. I- f you see water rising or sense the land moving, don’t wait for official warnings. Head to safer ground and stay away from floodwater and landslips. - If you’re in danger, call 111. - If you can, keep an eye on the rain radar at www.metservice.com

February 25, 2023