News Desk
AUCKLAND: Residents of New Zealand’s biggest city Auckland were urged on Sunday to prepare for the arrival of Cyclone ‘Gabrielle’ that hit Australia’s Norfolk Island overnight.
Thousands of people in the country were left without power as it braces for the impact of Gabrielle, which has been downgraded to a sub-tropical low-pressure system from a Category 2 cyclone.
“Red” heavy wind and rain warnings have been issued by forecasters for Auckland and Northland with 200mm of rain and winds of up to 130kph (80mph) expected.
The city was last month hit by record rainfall that sparked floods and killed four people.
Evacuation centres have been set up in vulnerable areas, and residents have been asked to stock enough supplies to last three days in case they are trapped at home. Tens of thousands of sandbags were also distributed in Auckland due to concerns the sodden ground and weakened infrastructure have made homes more vulnerable to flooding.
Schools closed, flights canceled as Gabrielle nears
Over 36 schools and universities will shut their doors from Monday despite no formal order from the Ministry of Education, Radio New Zealand reported on Sunday, while the InterCity bus network would also reduce its services.
Meanwhile, Air New Zealand announced canceling multiple long-haul international fights on Monday, as well as Tasman and Pacific Island flights and domestic services in and out of Auckland, Reuters reported.
