During Cyclone Gabrielle it has been a tough time for many Kiwis on the North Island with many needing rescue efforts to escape the widespread damage. We’ve heard many stories of the surreal escape efforts but listener Hannah’s rescue story stood out tour team in Hawke’s Bay.
Hannah sent a message to our Hawke’s Bay team yesterday that caught Martin and Jaque's attention because of its “wow” factor.
Listen to Hannah’s story here:
It was just after 5 o’clock yesterday when the team received a Facebook message saying: “Please help! Ellis Wallace Road. No bridge, no roads. We are stuck, we need help, have had no service or anything until just now.”
The announcers then took it into their own hands to discuss the situation on air and ask that if anyone listening was able to help, to please do so.
Martin and Jaque got in touch with Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence, passing on the address and all other information that they could on behalf of Hannah and her pet dogs.
The only way for the rescue mission to go ahead was via helicopter and Hannah revealed that within 20 minutes of messaging back and forth with the show, she was rescued.
At the start, the helicopter pilot refused to take all of her luggage and her two pet dogs, but after much convincing and refusing to return to her home during the weather event Hannah, her dogs and the neighbours were all aboard the helicopter.
Hannah sent another message to the team early this morning to thank the team for their efforts in helping members of the community.
Our very own Hawke’s Bay announcer JRae has shared his account of the ‘bizarre and surreal’ surroundings in the region with the ‘difficult’ Cyclone Gabrielle.
Will Maisey, Content Director for The Breeze says: “We're extremely proud of The Breeze Hawkes Bay team who are working tirelessly to keep everyone in The Bay informed and connected.”
We would also like to wish anyone affected by the cyclone our deepest condolences and wishes for a quick and successful recovery on the back of this disaster.
