Devastating slips at Muriwai following Cyclone Gabrielle. Video / George Heard
New images show the extent of devastation and destruction left behind by landslides in some of Auckland’s most well-known beach settlements.
The aerial images were captured this morning and show just how much the landscape has changed in areas including Muriwai and Piha after Cyclone Gabrielle tore through on Mondaynight.
In Muriwai, a volunteer firefighter remains missing at the site and officials announced today that a body has been found in the area where rescuers were searching.
“We have not yet identified who this is and will be working with Police to retrieve and identify the body,” Fire and Emergency chief executive Kerry Gregory said in a statement.
The area is believed to be where a volunteer firefighter remains missing after responding to the landslide and flooding incident in Muriwai.
A second firefighter remains in hospital.
Aerial photographs show the extent of damage caused by a landslip at Muriwai. Photo / George Heard
Aerial photographs show the extent of damage caused by a landslip at Muriwai. Photo / George Heard
Aerial photographs show the extent of damage caused by a landslip at Muriwai. Photo / George Heard
Even days after the heavy rains, floodwaters remain - as seen in the latest photos from Piha.
Images there show homes threatened by a massive landslide just behind them. In one photo, at least two properties have been hit by falling chunks of land, dirt and plant material.
Their gated front yards still hold murky floodwaters that still appear quite high.
Other properties show remnants of heavy flooding - soggy and damp-looking front yards.
Cyclone Gabrielle has hit Auckland. Seen from the air Piha Beach. Photo / George Heard
