Cyclone Gabrielle, New Zealand Floods

April 3, 2023

In February of 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle pounded New Zealand with heavy winds and rain, causing substantial damage and flooding. The country is still reeling in late March. Unfortunately, the cyclone exacerbated the flooding that had already hit New Zealand weeks before due to record rainfall.

People broke holes through their ceilings to escape the rising waters in their homes and were rescued from their rooftops. Houses and businesses were filled with water and mud, bridges were demolished, and roads have been washed away.

More than 10,000 people were displaced from their homes. The floods also caused damage to land. According to partners on the ground, some areas of impact are dealing with more than 6 feet of silt — a thick mud deposited by running water.

The floods greatly affected rural communities and farmers — some losing their homes and source of income. Flood waters damaged crops, eroded soil, and killed livestock as debris contaminated fields. All of this has created long-term problems for farmers in the impact area.

Convoy of Hope is working with partners on the ground to identify the needs of affected communities. This ensures that relief is delivered effectively and efficiently. Convoy has partnered with different churches and organizations to provide food, water, fuel, and shelter, and teams have assisted in cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

Amid a time of devastation and loss, Convoy of Hope is there to assist communities as needed and to provide relief supplies to vulnerable people.

UPDATE: Auckland Flood Disaster - February 2, 2023.

Auckland Flood Disaster - January 31 2023.

Convoy of Hope is working alongside churches in the worst affected communities to assist the response to the worst flooding Auckland has ever experienced. Volunteers are meeting immediate needs by distributing essential food items, water, baby food, baby care products (nappies, wipes), pet food, clothing and bedding.

Joel A’Bell, Regional Leader for Convoy of Hope Oceania, shared, ‘We are working with our partners in Auckland to respond to the immediate need for essential supplies for families that have been displaced.’

Convoy of Hope will continue to work with local partners to strategically respond to the need and help navigate the aftermath resulting from this disaster.

You can give today to immediately help meet the needs of affected families in Auckland.

Auckland Flood Disaster - January 28 2023.

As the Auckland flood disaster continues to unfold Convoy of Hope are in contact with partners on the ground and are monitoring the unprecedented situation. Convoy of Hope is a faith-based humanitarian organisation that has been providing disaster relief and community development around the world since 1994, and has launched more recently in Australia in 2020. Convoy of Hope’s partners on the ground in Auckland are preparing essential items such as water and food hampers for residents of the flood affected areas.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this terrible disaster.” Joel A’Bell, Convoy of Hope Oceania Regional Director

New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, is facing a state of emergency after torrential rain caused chaos and flooding. In the worst-affected areas, residents have been told to evacuate their homes.

This morning, two deaths have been confirmed in Auckland after a catastrophic storm that dumped almost an entire summer's worth of rain within just hours. Prime Minister Chris Hipkin called it "unprecedented," and the effects are being felt across New Zealand with over 2,000 passengers needing to be evacuated from the flooded international airport terminal. This emergency is only expected to worsen as more heavy rains continue throughout the day.

Mayor Brown declared a state of emergency in Auckland due to the devastating consequences caused by extreme weather. Torrential rain and flooding has left its mark on the region, with roads blocked off from landslides, infrastructure severely damaged and response agencies facing an unprecedented challenge.

“The region has experienced widespread damage from flooding and torrential rain, with reports of slips and inundation,” Brown said in a statement.

“Infrastructure and emergency services alike have been overwhelmed by the impacts of the storm.”

Convoy of Hope are monitoring with partners on the ground. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Auckland.

Summary:

• A state of emergency has been declared in Auckland after "unprecedented" rainfall on Friday afternoon and evening. It will remain in place for seven days. Three evacuation centres have been stood up.

• North and West Auckland have been worst affected by flooding. The city's water agency is advising residents on the North Shore to reduce water use immediately.

• Aucklanders are being advised to stay home and avoid non-essential travel. Many roads and public transport services remain blocked throughout the region.