Cyclone Gabrielle: Woman confirmed dead in landslip after earlier rescue attempts

Authorities have confirmed the death of a woman in a small farming settlement in northern Hawke’s Bay, after unsuccessful efforts to rescue her.

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence said authorities reported the woman died in Pūtōrino after a bank collapsed onto her home early yesterday morning.

“Police visited the property following a missing person’s report and undertook rescue efforts, but were unsuccessful,” the agency said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said they were called about the landslide at 7.19am yesterday.

Fenz acting district manager, Glen Varcoe, said one person had been reported as trapped.

However, local brigades were unable to access the property to carry out a rescue effort.

“Fire and Emergency has deployed a local urban search and rescue team with equipment by helicopter,” Varcoe said just after midday yesterday.

“Fire and Emergency personnel are currently assessing how widespread the damage is,” he said.

“This is an ongoing situation and we are monitoring it closely.”

Second death reported

Last night, police also announced that a body had been found washed up at Bay View Beach, north of Napier.

The discovery was reported about 7.45pm.

Police said the person had not yet been formally identified.