More than 2,000 people remain without information after the cyclone in New Zealand

New Zealand authorities are working to contact these people, while emergency services focus on fully restoring power to around 15,000 homes and repairing internet and telephone connections.

At a press conference in Wellington this Monday, Hipkins pointed out that police had been able to make contact with 4,260 people, 6,517 of whom remained confidential and safe.

The death toll so far stands at 11, including a woman and two volunteer firefighters, although officials warn the number could rise as it approaches isolated areas hit by Gabriel, particularly in the Hawke’s Bay region.

Deployed teams continue to clean up, repair and rebuild after a disaster.

Separately, the New Zealand government today announced NZ$250 million (US$156 million) in funding to repair road infrastructure and NZ$50 million (US$31 million) to help affected businesses and private sector workers.

Gabriel made landfall in the North Island on February 12, although it was later downgraded from a category two to a strong tropical storm, and on Tuesday the New Zealand government declared a national emergency in several affected areas.

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