Nine dead as Cyclone Gabrielle smashes through New Zealand with 10,000 homeless

A total of nine people have been killed and others are missing as New Zealand authorities struggle to recover from Cyclone Gabrielle. Around 10 other people are missing and wanted

Thousands of people in New Zealand have been left homeless or without electricity (

Image: AFP via Getty Images

Nine people have been killed after a cyclone tore through part of New Zealand and police continue to search for missing persons.

The country's prime minister, Chris Hipkins, said Cyclone Gabrielle was "New Zealand's biggest natural disaster in this century" as around 10,000 people are now believed to be homeless.< /p>

Ten people are still being sought after their disappearance following the cyclone. A total of 5,000 people have been recorded as having lost contact with loved ones following the disaster, according to police.

Among those killed was volunteer firefighter Dave van Zwananberg. Dave started his career as a vet in Devon and was with the Muriwai Volunteer Fire Department on February 13.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said it was "New Zealand's greatest natural disaster in this century" (

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Getty Images)

He disappeared after a landslide hit the team and his body was found on February 15.

General Manager of Fire and Emergency Kerry Gregory said: 'It is with great sadness that I confirm that this is our missing firefighter from the Muriwai Volunteer Fire Brigade. goes to his family and his friends and colleagues in the brigade. . His death is felt by our fire and emergency whānau nationwide."

Dave's widow, Amy, told the New Zealand Herald: "Dave will be remembered...