Cyclone Gita hits New Zealand

Cyclone Gita is set to make landfall at Wellington and on the West Coast bringing strong winds and heavy rain, the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has warned.

Gita has already caused devastating, widespread damage as it tracked across the Pacific.

“With the recent, severe storm damage West Coast residents have suffered, it’s really important they do all they can to make their homes safe and weather-tight,” said ICNZ chief executive Tim Grafton.

The organisation is warning the population to prepare for surface flooding from the rain and strong winds and gusts.

Christchurch and two other districts on New Zealand's South Island have declared a state of emergency as former cyclone Gita hit the country, according to Feb. 20 BBC News report.

Dozens of schools have been shut and roads closed on the South Island as the storm made landfall on Tuesday.

New Zealand's national airline has cancelled all flights in and out of the capital, Wellington, on North Island.

Residents were told to expect floods and winds of up to 150km/h (90mph).

Join us at Intelligent Automation in Insurance - London 2018.  Book by Feb 28th and you could save £300.

More of today's news

CBL told to cease writing European business

The Hartford seals Foremost renewal rights deal

UK and US regulators team up for fintech innovation

UK property, casualty rates face further decline: WTW

Chaucer joins International Underwriting Association of London

Don't miss our insurtech email newsletter - sign up today