Cyclone, floodstwo feared dead

Press, 8 March 1988, Page 1

Cyclone, floods—two feared dead

PA ■ [ Wellington Two persons [are feared dead and states of emergency have been declared in Gisborne and the East Cape as the region battles with some of the worst flooding to hit the area. Cyclone Bola caused widespread disruption throughout the country as gale-force winds and heavy rainfall continued to batter the North Island. Two persons were swept away by floodwaters after the car they were in became surrounded by water near Tolaga Bay, on the East Coast, last evening. Three other occupants were rescued.

Preparations for evacuation were being made in Gisborne as its Mayor, Mr Hink Healey, declared a state of emergency at 4.27 p.m. Residents in some outlying areas have already been moved to safety. The East Cape regional controller, Mr Seton Clare, declared a regional state of emergency at 9 p.m. after news came that a small bridge off State highway 35, 2km south of Ruatoria, had been washed away. Trans-Tasman race yachtsmen, savaged by ferocious winds and mountainous seas, face even worse conditions today as they

edge closer to the ! Auckland finish.

At least three of the boats in the Transfield Challenge were battling increasing ! southerly winds last night as they headed towards the Bay of Islands in search of shelter. j

Six of the nine competitors left in the irace have how rounded Cape Reinga and will [be trying to progress down the east coast

Cyclone Bola is moving southwest and the depression is expected to settle over [Northland for the next two or three days.