CYCLONE GABRIEL – RESPONSE / RELIEF / SUPPORT
News headlines for the month of February 2023 were dominated by a Cyclone, dubbed “Gabrielle” that wreaked havoc across parts of the North Island.
The East coast and Hawkes Bay regions felt the brunt of Gabrielles wrath which left a trail of destruction that obliterated homes, businesses, infrastructure and sadly took the lives of 11 souls.
In the immediate aftermath, RUSEC staff (like so many others), played their part in the initial response phase.
Sourcing and moving generators to the powerless Hawkes Bay was a priority. Extensive damage to the main roads in and out meant that affected areas were only accessible by an ‘air bridge’ of both private and Government operated planes and helicopters.
It was great to see the ‘little guys’ pulling together to make things happen. Unhindered by red tape, different networks sprung to life to ensure supplies got through to where they were most needed.
In the days that followed, our staff were able to recce safe passage by road through to Napier thus enabling us to help bolster much needed security services to an area that was starting to experience a spike in crime. In times like this you see the true colors come out in people, both positive and negative.
Those with a tendency toward the negative side of the ledger certainly took advantage of the situation, helping themselves to property that belonged to the most vulnerable. We were glad to be able to play our part in ensuring that in some cases this was not possible.
As previously alluded to, electricity to most of the region was cut due to extensive flood damage of various power generation sites.
RUSEC staff have maintained an ongoing deployment to one of these sites to ensure the challenging task of returning it to full capacity goes unhindered. Our staff take pride knowing that the cloak of protection being provided will play a small part in helping the region get back on its feet.
Politically, socially and culturally there is so much going on in this world to grizzle about but one takes heart from the fact that when the chips are down there are still a lot of Kiwis out there with the resilience to get through tough times. Well done to all concerned in the affected regions who rolled their sleeves up and got stuck in.
Keep fighting the good fight and remember…..let’s be careful out there
