New Zealand Declares State of Emergency after Cyclone Gabrielle Causes Major Damage

New Zealand declared a state of emergency across the country due to violent cyclone Gabrielle that deprived more than 100,000 people of electricity and caused floods and landslides.

Moreover, the authorities said that these "unprecedented weather conditions" occurred late Monday, with strong winds and heavy rains on the North Island.

During a news conference in Auckland, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said, "The devastation is widespread across the country," adding, "Many families have been displaced."

A number of houses were damaged due to trees falling on them or as a result of torrents of mud and rubble that swept them.

landslides and floods blocked roads; Which led to the isolation of residents. According to local media, a number of residents were forced to flee their homes by swimming for safety.

The prime minister warned that it was still "too early to tell" the number of people who had been evacuated from their homes and those without electricity or telephones.

According to the estimates of the electricity supply companies; More than 100,000 people lost power.