(ANSA) — ROME, FEBRUARY 19 — The death toll from Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand has risen to 11 and the government fears the damage, which has yet to be accurately quantified, will be in the billions. Treasury Secretary Grant Robertson said in an interview with local media on Sunday.
Robertson said he expected figures comparable to those of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, which cost around NZ$13 billion, or about €7.6 billion. “It is clear that the devastation of infrastructure, homes and businesses is very large,” the minister acknowledged. The cyclone destroyed orchards, vineyards and agricultural crops in some of New Zealand’s most productive regions. Roads were damaged and thousands of residents were left without electricity and water. (HAND).
REPRODUCTION RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
]]>
Get the embed code
]]>