Family members lose homes (Cyclone Gabrielle)
Donation protected
Hi,
I'm fundraising to help cover the costs of my brother's and uncle's homes that were damaged by flooding in the Esk Valley, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand during Cyclone Gabrielle.
I'm not too clear on the details as communications are still mostly down, but based on limited texts with my brother, I have the following details:
- First and most importantly, all my family is safe (dogs included)!
- At 3am, 15 Feb 2023 my brother was rescued via boat on the roof of his house
- I assume my dad (who lives with my brother) and my aunt and uncle (their next-door neighbours) were rescued the same way.
Being Hawkes Bay born and bred and currently living in Australia, I feel pretty helpless right now, so I'm turning here.
Any funds donated will go to cover any losses not covered by insurance.
**Update - 17/02**
Finally been able to speak to family members.
More details:
- Flood waters reached the gutters in about 3 hours
- People wait hours to be rescued by boat
- Going to be a lengthy cleanup - the whole valley is covered in silt.
A call out to my brother Max, even though I'm sure you won't want the attention. You're a hero.
Risked your life swimming through flood waters to get neighbours and pets to safety, including an elderly woman who had been holding on in the water for hours.
Finally, to the local lads who picked him up along with others by boat, you're heroes too.
Kind regards
Zac
Co-organizers (2)
Zac Robertson
Organizer
Wandana Heights, VIC
Anthea Lemmer
Co-organizer