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February 4 2025
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Mangawhai tornado scene ‘like a war zone’ u by Andy Bryenton
A tornado ripped through Mangawhai in the early hours of January 26, causing widespread damage and eliciting a coordinated community response to help those affected.
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Early reports that 50 homes had been badly damaged were reduced to 35 as dawn rose on a scene of destruction. Twenty-six homes were issued a white sticker indicating that they were still safe enough to use, while a further nine were deemed unsafe. Hundreds of homes were left without electricity following the tornado, which felled power poles in Old Waipu Road and Moir Street, tearing down the grid with 150km/h winds. First responders swiftly deployed to provide assistance for those displaced, and within hours door-to-door checks were being undertaken to make sure citizens were safe. Bottled water, milk, bread and essentials were delivered p First responders gather ahead of a concentrated community, council and emergency services effort to ensure those hit by a tornado in Mangawhai were safe by emergency contact teams, including Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson, who lives the roof of a shed. Others sought shelter towns and the city of Whangārei came within 900 metres of the tornado’s track. as windblown debris caused havoc, to assist, launching drones to assess “It’s been pretty traumatic for everyone,” with one report citing a motor home the extent of the damage. Neighbouring said Jepson. “There’s a whole heap of ‘harpooned’ by tree limbs, and others of Auckland Council sent expert building them that have temporary tarpaulins on whole roofs torn away. inspectors to assist KDC staff in evaluating their roofs, missing their roofs. A lot of “You have to see it to believe it,” says property damage and safety. Excavators those people have now moved on and Mr Jepson. He and councillors Rachael and heavy equipment got to work clearing gone with friends or relatives or been Williams, Mike Howard and Gordon downed trees, many operated by local accommodated by the generosity of other Lambeth helped in door-to door efforts, contractors who volunteered their skills. people in our community.” where they saw garden sheds wrapped “It’s a typical Northland and Kaipara Property damage was widespread, and around denuded trees and ‘glass like response,” said mayor Jepson. “We’re the while there were no fatalities, two people shrapnel’ embedded in interior walls, kind of people who pitch in and help our were rushed to hospital in a serious among other destruction. neighbours when things like this happen. condition, one by emergency helicopter. In the immediate aftermath, the Kaipara A lot of local contractors got up out of bed One resident suffered extensive injuries District Council activated and established to volunteer, and local people got stuck in after being torn from her upstairs an emergency operation centre on the and assisted each other.” bedroom by the twister and thrown on to scene. Firefighters from neighbouring continued on page 3 …
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