Helicopter pilots from the Defence Force, rescue services and private operators plucked between 300 and 400 people off roof tops across the Hawkes Bay yesterday as Cyclone Gabrielle caused rivers to burst and floodwaters to completely submerge some properties.
#WATCH Dramatic rescues were conducted via helicopter yesterday, with this video taken by a man evacuated near Hastings.
— Morning Report (@NZMorningReport) February 14, 2023
We'll have updates on the situation in that part of the country throughout the show and reporter @laurencrimp is there to provide updates. pic.twitter.com/eiqdGTQAE6
Boss and chief pilot of Hastings-based Rotoforce Helicopters, Joe Faram, was among them.
He spoke to RNZ reporter Robin Martin who began by asking him if he had ever experienced anything like it before.
