Many residents in the North Island have been evacuated and Napier City and Hastings District have declared a local state of emergency.

Cyclone Gabrielle lashed North Island regions overnight, with major flooding and slips cutting off many residents and homes.

In Auckland, one firefighter remains trapped inside a collapsed house in Muriwai and another is in critical condition after being rescued.

Motutara Road and Domain Crescent residents were asked to get to safety at Sand Dunz Café where emergency services would assist.

In Whakatāne, people who were forced to leave their homes yesterday will be told this afternoon whether it’s safe to return.

Around 100 households in West End Ōhope and Ōhiwa Harbour were evacuated because their homes are low-lying and at risk of flood during high tide, which hit about 1.30am.

Tairawhiti Civil Defence also issued an Emergency Mobile Alert due to concerns about river levels and surface flooding.

* Read more: Cyclone Gabrielle lashes North Island

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