Civil Defence is urging Kiwis to get prepared as Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle approaches New Zealand.
While there remains uncertainty over the exact path the cyclone is heading, experts are predicting it could directly hit Auckland, bringing the potential for more heavy rain two weeks on from the devastating floods which killed four people.
Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, currently in the Coral Sea, is forecast to track southeast towards New Zealand over the next few days ending up north of the country on Sunday, MetService said.
The weather forecaster said if the cyclone moves close to New Zealand it could lead to a "significant weather event".
This latest potential weather event comes just months after the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced the results of the 2022 Annual Disaster Preparedness Survey, which showed only two in five Kiwis feel well prepared for a disaster.
Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management Gary Knowles said although Kiwis have a sound understanding and awareness of natural disasters and their impacts, it's not being followed through with action.
"What the survey shows is that we have the foundations for a prepared society, and we understand that preparing for a disaster is our personal responsibility, but we aren't taking steps to get prepared. This needs to change," Knowles said.
Civil Defence is asking people in isolated areas of Gisborne to stock up on food and any medical supplies they need as Cyclone Gabrielle approaches.
"The MetService have advised us this morning there is high confidence of heavy rain starting around Sunday evening for Gisborne and north of Gisborne with a predicted forecast of 100mm of rain for the district," Tairāwhiti Civil Defence group controller Ben Green said.
"Cyclones can change track and it isn't yet clear how much rain will arrive and where it will fall. However, with our region still very fragile following ex-tropical Cyclone Hale last month our key focus is our community in isolated areas who are at high risk and vulnerable to being cut off."
Green said they're watching the weather closely and will continue to update people as soon as they know anything.
"In the meantime, we are asking people in vulnerable areas who have been cut off in the past to please ensure they have enough food and medical supplies for three days," Green said.
"This is just to be on the safe side until we have more certainty about this approaching weather system."
So what can you do to prepare yourself for Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle?
Work out what supplies you need
NEMA recommends households have enough water for three days - at least nine litres for every person - which will be enough for drinking and basic hygiene.
Households should also have long-lasting food that doesn't need cooking as well as food for babies and pets.
NEMA also urges households to have toilet paper, large plastic buckets for an emergency toilet, work gloves and a properly-fitted P2 or N95 mask.
Grab bag
Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate when the record-breaking rain hit Auckland almost two weeks ago.
Having a grab bag ready for everyone in your household is essential, just in case you need to quickly evacuate, NEMA says.
Each bag should have:
- Walking shoes, warm clothes, raincoat and hat
- Water and snack food (remember babies and pets too)
- Hand sanitiser
- Portable phone charger
- Cash
- Copies of important documents and photo ID
What to do during a flood
NEMA urges Kiwis to put their safety first and not to take any risks.
"Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater," NEMA said.
They urge people to never attempt to walk, swim or drive through flood water as many flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.
"Always assume that flood water is contaminated with farm run-off, chemicals and sewage. Contaminated flood water can make you sick. Make sure you wash your hands, clothes and property after contact with flood waters," NEMA said.
