CHRISTCHURCH:
Emergency has been declared in Christchurch as remnants of Cyclone Gita hit New Zealand.
“The full impact of the storm will be felt overnight and tomorrow morning,” said Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel. She urged residents in low-lying areas to leave, stating that “We are expecting homes to be flooded.”
Residents have been told to expect winds of up to 150 km/hour and to avoid travel.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, directed troops to be deployed in areas are expected to be hit the hardest. The Civil Defence office in Wellington has also been put on high alert.