Key Takeaways
- A police-led rescue operation was launched to evacuate dozens of people stranded in the Waioeka Gorge due to huge slips caused by heavy rain.
- Local helicopter pilots, including Bay of Plenty Helicopters and Motu Helicopters, played a crucial role in the rescue operation, evacuating over 40 people to safety.
- The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including the New Zealand Defence Force, local and regional councils, and Police Search and Rescue staff.
- The recovery of vehicles will take some time due to the significant damage and number of slips through the gorge.
- The stretch of State Highway 2 between Gisborne and pōtiki will be closed all weekend.
Introduction to the Rescue Operation
A dramatic rescue operation was launched on Friday night to evacuate dozens of people stranded in the Waioeka Gorge, after huge slips caused by heavy rain blocked their path. The police-led operation involved multiple agencies and local helicopter pilots, who played a crucial role in bringing the stranded people to safety. According to reports, a local helicopter pilot helped bring stranded people to safety, after they were trapped in the Waioeka Gorge. The pilot, Luke, from Bay of Plenty Helicopters, said he had made two rescues of four people, before being asked by police to begin taking people to Maunganuku carpark.
Challenges Faced by Stranded People
Many of the stranded people were confused and unsure of what to do, according to Luke. "A lot of them just had a slip in front of them, they didn’t know there were multiple slips, so they were asking ‘are we going to be stuck here for the day, will it be cleared tomorrow, and what is going to happen to my car?’ " Luke said. The situation was further complicated by the fact that the area is a very dangerous environment, with a single strand wire that criss-crosses all the way up, making it a challenging terrain for rescue operations.
Role of Local Helicopter Pilots
Local helicopter pilots, including Luke, were instrumental in the rescue operation. Luke said that if it was up to the local pilots, they could have gotten everyone out quite quickly and easily, given that they had most of the afternoon to do it. However, the operation was delayed, and it was not until midnight that helicopters had brought out everyone stuck between the slips. Luke’s comments highlight the importance of local knowledge and expertise in rescue operations, and the need for effective communication and coordination between agencies.
Rescue Operation Details
The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including the New Zealand Defence Force, local and regional councils, and Police Search and Rescue staff. According to Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney, by midnight, helicopters had brought out everyone stuck between the slips. The evacuated motorists were taken to a local campsite, where an NZDF NH90 helicopter ferried them to evacuation centres at Matawai and pōtiki. Inspector Cooney acknowledged the efforts of all the agencies involved, saying "It’s been a significant effort to reach so many people who were trapped, and I want to acknowledge the efforts of local helicopter pilots, New Zealand Defence Force staff, local and regional councils, and Police Search and Rescue staff."
Aftermath and Recovery
The recovery of vehicles will take some time, given the significant damage and number of slips through the gorge. Police said it would take some time to recover the vehicles, and the stretch of State Highway 2 between Gisborne and pōtiki will be closed all weekend. Additionally, another eight people in two private addresses were due to be evacuated on Saturday morning. The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and the need for effective emergency response systems. The successful rescue operation is a testament to the bravery and expertise of the rescue teams involved, and the importance of community resilience in the face of adversity.