Four Dead In New Zealand’s Cyclone

At least four people have so far died in a cyclone that battered New Zealand earlier this week.

It struck the country’s north on Monday and has brought more destruction to the country than any weather event in decades.

Police said at least four people had been confirmed killed by the storm, including a child caught in rising water on Tuesday at Eskdale on Hawke’s Bay.

All four fatalities occurred near the same North Island east coast bay.

The body of a volunteer firefighter was retrieved Wednesday from a landslide that destroyed a flooded house near Auckland, a police statement said.

Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty said; “Around 9,000 people have been forced from their homes since Monday, with several communities isolated by floodwaters and landslides.

"Everyone knows we have a long path ahead of us as we deal with extensive damage to homes, businesses, roads and bridges and other fundamental parts of our infrastructure.

"This is a significant disaster and it is going to take many weeks for those areas most affected to recover."