New Zealand has declared a seven day state of emergency as it prepares for the arrival of Cyclone Gabrielle.
One of the most serious storms to affect New Zealand for many years is reported to be closing in on the country, just days after floods struck the antipodean islands.
Named Cyclone Gabrielle, experts fear it could unleash gusts of up to 155kmph (96mph), accompanied by nearly 16 inches (400mm) of rainfall. The country's civil defence's emergency management team early this morning (Sunday, Feb 12) issued an EMA — an Emergency Mobile Alert — in preparation for Cyclone Gabrielle, warning recipients on their phones to take any message from them seriously and to follow any instructions given.
