Wellington, Feb. 15 (Agency) The New Zealand government is providing an initial 4 million NZ dollars (2.53 million U.S. dollars) to help farmers, growers and rural communities mobilize and co-ordinate recovery efforts from Cyclone Gabrielle following the declaration of a national state of emergency. “The breadth of this storm’s impact is unprecedented with milk collection disrupted, orchards inundated and livestock losses across much of the North Island,” Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said on Wednesday. This is a difficult time for many, with thousands of people’s homes and businesses affected by this large-scale adverse event, O’Connor said, adding the recovery mobilization fund will help provide extra resources for sector organizations to support affected areas.
The government will provide more support once a full and thorough assessment of the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle across the North Island is complete, he said, adding the destruction includes flooded farms and orchards, damage to vital roading and electricity infrastructure, and isolated communities.”Conditions continue to make it difficult to assess the full extent of crop damage, livestock losses, and disruption,” the minister said. Widespread power outages are affecting dairy farmers’ ability to milk cows, especially in Northland, he said, adding Ministry for Primary Industries staff are working closely with sector groups and processors to minimize any potential animal welfare issues.
“It’s expected damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle will exacerbate feed issues experienced by some farmers in flood-affected areas,” O’Connor said. The New Zealand government announced an 11.5-million-New Zealand dollar (7.25-million-U.S. dollar) community support package on Monday to assist in the response to the devastating cyclone. This is only the third time in New Zealand history that a national state of emergency has been declared.Emergency preparations have been underway as power outages, flight cancellations, and school closures are seen in six North Island regions including Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. It is only two weeks after Auckland and the adjacent region Waikato were inundated by record downpours and floods.