Medicines to be air dropped to isolated Hawke's Bay communities

Medicine and vital supplies are being air dropped to isolated Hawkes Bay communities after doctors and welfare teams flew in to check on them.

Hawkes Bay Civil Defence ran helicopter missions to five rural communities cut off from Napier and Hastings by the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Hastings GP Alan Wright went to Tutira and Patoka and held a basic clinic at the local schools.

While there appeared to be some degree of anxiety setting in about being cut off for so long, the communities were actually doing very well, he said.

"[At Tutira] they have based themselves around the school where they have a generator charging and I think they have a time each day where people can come and charge up their devices and things like that - incredibly well organised.

"There is huge flood damage all around us but both schools were in good condition and spared, really, but not far out the window you can see plenty of devastation."

He took a basic medical kit with medicine for infections and some pain relief.

At the makeshift clinic they were doing regular checks for things like pregnancy or blood clotting disorders but one of the main purposes of the initial trip was to see what people needed, he said.

Prescriptions and other supplies would be dropped back later.

The missions are coordinated by Hawke's Bay Civil Defence, flown by the Air Force and include iwi liaison staff, ambulance officers, Salvation Army or Red Cross representatives, police officers, Fire and Emergency staff and Defence Force personnel.

They had also been to Waikoau Village, Rissington Fire Station and Te Haroto Marae.

Advice from the National Emergency Management Agency

• Heavy rain could cause further flooding, landslides, and damage to roads in regions impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
• Put safety first. Act quickly if you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
• Have grab bags ready with: medications, snacks, water, torches, pet food, and baby formula (if needed) in case you need to evacuate.
• Plan where you will go if you have to evacuate
• Ensure that you have enough food, water, and other essential supplies to last for several days.
• Stay up to date with the latest information from MetService and your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.
• Wear protective clothing when cleaning flood water and mud including: mask, goggles, gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and gumboots or work shoes.