Almost two weeks later Cyclone Gabrielle hit, parts of Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti remain cut off.
Supplies continued to be delivered to isolated communities, by air where there was no road access, and in other cases by military vehicles, Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management said.
On Sunday, two New Zealand Defense Force Unimogs delivered petrol to Rissington and diesel to Craneinland from Napier.
An NH90 helicopter brought large quantities of water, fuel, LPG and pet food to Putere, and civilian helicopters continued to deliver food and essential supplies to other remote areas. This was coordinated through a hub at Tomoana Showgrounds where up to 180 volunteers sorted and packed the supplies.
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On Saturday night, 157 people were staying at civil defense centers in Napier, Wairoa District and Hastings District.
A clinical health team and a welfare team, including a representative from the Ministry of Primary Industries, were flown by helicopter to Rissington, Te Hāroto. Queue and Waikoau to provide support services to residents and to assess the needs of local farmers.
CHRISTEL YARDLEY/STUFF
Silt levels were extreme in Rissington after Cyclone Gabrielle.
A large number of Starlink Wi-Fi connections and 119 generators had been delivered to the affected areas, Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management said.
Unison had restored power to most customers in the Napier and Hastings area, but 2,537 customers were still without power by Sunday morning, most of them in remote rural areas.
Waka Kotahi identified 21 bridges that had collapsed on council-owned roads in Hawke’s Bay. Some had alternate diversions or fords available, but others required temporary bridges to be installed.