Australia dispatches emergency team to cyclone response

Australian disaster experts are expected to arrive in New Zealand within 24 hours to assist first responders after Cyclone Gabriel.

A national emergency has been declared in New Zealand after the worst storm in decades has caused devastating flooding in the North Island.

At least seven people have died and more than 10,000 have been displaced.

Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said New Zealand helped Australia during the Black Summer bushfires and more recently the floods.

“Our neighbors have been there for us and we want to give back when they need us,” he said.

A team of 25 impact assessment experts from Queensland’s fire and emergency services and other states will be deployed in the next 24 hours to assist New Zealand first responders.

Watt said Australian counterparts have unfortunately become experts in flood response and recovery following recent natural disasters in many states.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia was ready to help if more help was needed in the coming weeks.

“Whether we are as far away as Turkey or as close as New Zealand, we are ready to do our part to help our international counterparts in difficult times,” she said. said.



https://www.odt.co.nz/news/australia/australia-sends-emergency-team-cyclone-response Australia dispatches emergency team to cyclone response

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