Eastern District Commander Superintendent Jeanette Park speaks to media about the police’s response to the storm.
Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
Half of the 6000 reports of uncontactable people after Cyclone Gabrielle have now been resolved, according to police.
Speaking to media this afternoon, Eastern District Commander Superintendent Jeanette Park says about 3000 people have now been located.
She says it is still unclear how many actual people remain uncontactable as some of the 6000 reports are multiple reports for the same person.
Meanwhile, the number of people whose deaths have been officially linked to Cyclone Gabrielle has risen to 11, with confirmation of two further deaths today.
In a statement, police said a person who passed away in their Onekawa home on Thursday is “believed to have died in circumstances related to Cyclone Gabrielle”.
The news was soon followed by confirmation of another death in Crownthorpe, Hastings reported last night. Police said this person was also believed to have died in circumstances related to the storm. Both deaths have been referred to the Coroner.
See how today’s news unfolded with RNZ’s live blog:
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