Cyclone Gabrielle: New Zealand says cyclone damage could exceed 8 billion Dollar, announces emergency funding

New Zealand has warned the final cost of the devastating Cyclone Gabrielle, which has left at least 11 people dead, could rise above 8 billion Dollar as authorities announced emergency funding to help in the recovery efforts.

The cyclone hit the North Island’s northernmost region on 12th of this month and tracked down the east coast, inflicting widespread destruction.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has called Gabrielle the biggest natural disaster this century. Hipkins declared the national state of emergency last week.