Cyclone Gabrielle: A Tragic Reminder of How Fast Disaster Can Strike
The stories of the 11 lives lost during Cyclone Gabrielle are heartbreaking and deeply sobering. You may not be able to get to the end of these accounts (see links below); they are that sad! But one theme runs through them all: how quickly everything happened. In many cases, people had very little time to escape, and some didn’t get the chance at all.
Among the victims were volunteer firefighters, who were caught in a landslide while responding to flooding in Muriwai [1]. A toddler, was swept away in rising floodwaters in Eskdale despite her mother’s desperate efforts to hold on [1]. A woman, was found in the roof cavity of her home in Puketapu after floodwaters surged through the area [1].
One particularly haunting detail: even those who managed to punch through the roof of their two-storey shed and climb on top had to wait eight hours for rescue. They were not considered a priority!! Did they have water, medication, or warm clothing? It’s a chilling reminder of why grab bags are essential.
The cyclone triggered over 800,000 landslides, making it one of the most extreme events of its kind globally [2]. The sheer volume of rain, over 500mm in some areas within 24 hours, overwhelmed the land, causing massive slips and isolating communities [2]. It’s hard to believe that this event happened in New Zealand. We can’t continue to think that it won’t happen here!
Time has passed but the pain remains fresh for many. Families continue to grieve, and survivors are still rebuilding [3]. Cyclone Gabrielle wasn’t just a storm; it was a wake-up call. It showed how vulnerable we are, how fast nature can change everything, and how crucial it is to be prepared.
Grab bag. It’s not just a suggestion, it’s a lifeline! What to put in it? Check https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/how-to-make-a-home-emergency-kit
Want some help for your neighbourhood to plan to work together during a disastrous event? Get in touch: info@safercambridge.co.nz
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