Today, February 14, New Zealand declared a state of emergency for the third time in its history.

This is due to

Cyclone Gabriel

, which caused widespread flooding, mudslides and huge ocean waves in the North Island.

About 225,000 people were left without electricity, and dozens of supermarkets were closed.

As Reuters reported, due to canceled flights, thousands of people were stuck in the country, and hundreds of thousands remained without electricity.

New Zealand's Minister of Emergency Situations, Kieran McAnulty, said that the cyclone had caused extensive damage.

"This is an unprecedented weather event that is seriously affecting much of the North Island," McAnulty said.

The center of Cyclone Gabriel is 100 km north-east of Auckland over the small islands, but is now moving south-west.

The MetService said the heaviest rain for Auckland had passed, but it was threatening the south.

About 225,000 people were left without electricity and dozens of supermarkets closed.

The Prime Minister of the country, Chris Hipkins, urged New Zealanders not to buy products in a panic.

As we have already reported, heavy rainfall in New Zealand

has led to large-scale flooding

, power outages and road closures, due to which residents of some settlements are being evacuated.

It is already known about four dead in Auckland

.

Trains were stopped in the city and schools were closed.

Airlines have canceled more than 500 flights.

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