Severe Weather Hits East Coast

Summary:
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell is heading to the East Coast this morning after the region experienced heavy rainfall overnight. Key points include:

• Multiple orange heavy rain warnings and an orange strong wind warning are currently active for the East Coast.
• Evacuations are being conducted in parts of Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay due to the severe weather conditions.
• A state of emergency has been declared for Heretaunga Ward in the Hastings District due to coastal flooding, and a local state of emergency is in effect for Wairoa.
• Three bodies have been discovered in the search for missing Gisborne fishermen in Mahia earlier today.