As Cyclone Gabrielle gets closer to New Zealand, the country on Tuesday proclaimed a National State of Emergency for the third time in its history.

The State of Emergency was declared across the entire nation, according to officials, despite the fact that the cyclone has been battering New Zealand’s North Island since Sunday evening with relentless wind, rain, and waves.

The National State of Emergency has only been proclaimed three times in New Zealand’s history, according to a statement from the Minister of Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty.

With the recently signed statement, the New Zealand government will be able to allocate more funds nationwide and give the most priority to the response effort in the hardest-hit areas.

This cyclone is the second significant weather event to recently affect Auckland and the upper North Island. Four people were killed by floods and unprecedented rainfall that pounded Auckland and the neighboring areas last month.

Prior to Cyclone Gabrielle’s arrival in Auckland on February 12, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins (C), Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni (R), and Transport Minister Michael Wood (L) met in the operations room of Waka Kotahi Auckland Transport.
Prior to Cyclone Gabrielle’s arrival in Auckland on February 12, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins (C), Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni (R), and Transport Minister Michael Wood (L) met in the operations room of Waka Kotahi Auckland Transport.
Getty Images/Fiona Goodall
Earlier, as some residences were being evacuated, Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, and the surrounding area were warned to prepare for more intense rain, flooding, and gale-force winds.

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According to a statement from Auckland Emergency Management, responders are evaluating home damage caused by landslips brought on by heavy rain in the Muriwai area. According to reports, flooding has separated communities in Piha, Karekare, and Bethells Beach.

This cyclone is a “widespread and substantial weather event,” according to the New Zealand Meteorological Service, and damaging gusts and heavy rain are still present, especially in northern and central New Zealand. The New Zealand Met Service has issued red warnings, the highest degree of alarm, and they are still in effect and will continue through much of Tuesday.

The eastern shoreline and nearby interiors of the North and South Island are expected to see gale-force winds for a further 24-36 hours before gradually ceasing by Wednesday afternoon, according to CNN Meteorologists.

Through Thursday, the southeastern parts of the North Island, including Wellington, can anticipate additional rainfall totals of up to 150 mm, while the South Island, just north of Christchurch, will have lower totals.

Chris Hipkins, the prime minister of New Zealand, announced a $7.25 million package for flood victims and community organizations such as food banks on Monday.

People were urged not to travel on Monday as many schools and local government offices in Auckland and the upper North Island were closed.

At least six additional regions, including Auckland, have declared states of emergency. A century-old steel-framed tower in Auckland has forced the evacuation of about 50 flats out of concern for its stability.

On February 13, 2023, a cyclone devastated Titirangi, a West Auckland neighborhood in New Zealand. A damaged house was left in ruins.
On February 13, 2023, a cyclone devastated Titirangi, a West Auckland neighborhood in New Zealand. A damaged house was left in ruins.
Image by Diego Opatowski/AFP/Getty
In anticipation of a storm surge that is anticipated for early Tuesday morning, more evacuation orders have been issued for coastal villages along the east coast.

46,000 households are without electricity, some areas have spotty mobile service, trees have fallen, and roofs have been pulled off.

Ferries, buses, and trains have either been suspended from service or are now operating on a modified schedule, disrupting public transportation.

509 flights have been canceled by Air New Zealand, but it has announced that operations will resume on Tuesday when the weather is predicted to improve.

Police responded to reports that a boat near Great Barrier Island was in difficulty this morning and said they were looking for a person who was onboard.

The Police Maritime Unit and Eagle have tried to approach the boat throughout the morning, but the conditions have been difficult and no one has been found as of yet, according to a statement.

Overnight, Metservice meteorologist Georgina Griffiths warned that strong gusts and rain were possible for Auckland and Great Barrier Island.

Gales are anticipated overnight in areas of Auckland that have not yet seen difficult wind conditions, she said.

Storm surge is still on its way and may reach its height in eastern Auckland at 2 a.m.

She continued by saying that some localized landslides and surface floods were anticipated because Auckland was already wet.