Storm over
Gabrielle has passed us by, with calm seas and sunshine this morning. However, those down country are not faring so well. Whilst our phones and internet are out, our power has been restored, thus we are being kept updated on Gabrielle's carnage, via National Radio. Hawkes Bay and Gisborne have taken a hammering with flooding, evacuations, roads closures and power and internet outages. It's going to take a lot of time and work to restore services to these areas.
Our own State Highway to Auckland has several closures and this morning Genevieve has set out to try to reach the city. Her French friend is booked to fly back to France tomorrow. She had a bus ticket but all buses have been cancelled today. No flights are operating from Kaitaia, Kerikeri or Whangarei either, leaving just one option and that is for Genevieve to attempt to find a way through. Hopefully, by the time she reaches Warkworth, the road there will be open. But without internet or phone she is unlikely to know the status of the roads until she reaches them. Her friend did approach her insurance company in an attempt to change her ticket, but was told that the flooding, road closures etc are a New Zealand thing, and thus she is not covered by her insurance, even though there is no public transport of any kind to reach the airport. Don't get me started on insurance companies. They never seem to cover the very thing one takes insurance out for. In fact, I might make that the topic of tomorrow's blog topic.
Update: The internet and phone returned about lunchtime, but I had to drive off the Peninsular so am only posting this today. Genevieve managed to find a way to Auckland, travelling down State Highway 16 once she reached Wellsford. She was very relieved to have done so. And with the internet being restored, came pictures of the flooding down country, showing some harrowing scenes. I hope that people are able to return to their homes today and those who need assistance, get it. It was sad hearing of more loss of life. Gabrielle did not show a lot of mercy. The whole country will be feeling for those families who have lost loved ones. Bless you all.