Cyclone Gabrielle: Rebuilding cost on par with Christchurch quake - NZ

New Zealand has said rebuilding after Cyclone Gabrielle will cost billions of dollars, on par with the Christchurch earthquake from 12 years ago.

Gabrielle brought widespread flooding to the North Island in mid-February, damaging roads and bridges.

At least 11 people have died so far and thousands are still uncontactable.

Farmers lost entire harvests and herds to the floods and authorities are still determining how much of it will be covered by insurance, said the minister, who is in charge of rebuilding efforts.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced an additional NZ$250 million to fix damaged roads and a NZ$50 million support package to give immediate relief for businesses.

Source: BBC