The extraordinary flood event Auckland, Northland and Coromandel experienced on the night of 27 January was caused by rainfall that was literally off-the-chart. Over 24 hours, 249 mm of rain fell; well above the previous record of 161.8 mm.

The torrential rain came from a storm in the north Tasman Sea linked to a source of moisture from the tropics. This is what meteorologists call an “atmospheric river”.

Cyclone Gabrielle followed soon after, and the damage and destruction from this event was devastating, causing major destruction to the North Island and at the time of writing, 11 confirmed deaths. According to the Met Service, Cyclone Gabrielle was one of the worst storms in New Zealand’s living history. Regions were completely isolated, without phone or internet coverage, power, water or food supplies. The water levels in some areas rose at such an alarming rate that evacuation was impossible. Few weather events are as terrifying or as powerful as a tropical cyclone.

The MCNZ insurance team has received more than 10 claims for properties in Auckland damaged as a result of flooding on 27 January with claims ranging from a full internal strip-out, to minor water damage to floor coverings.

The Godfreys Loss Adjusting team was on the ground in Auckland on Wednesday 1 February. One parsonage with significant flood damage was already stripped-out, with carpet drying by, that same afternoon.

Surprisingly, we have not received any claims from the Cyclone Gabrielle event. Hastings parish representatives report there was no damage to their church, new hall, and parsonage, or to the social housing project currently under construction in Flaxmere or their congregation’s properties. They also advised everyone in the parish was okay and they were helping at the evacuation centres including providing food, clothes, blankets, socks and shoes.

Gisborne, Northland, and New Plymouth reported that no Methodist properties in their regions were affected by the cyclone.

Our hearts go out to everyone who has suffered as a result of these storms, especially those that have lost a loved one. To those that have been displaced or lost their homes, belongings, treasures and memories we send our very best wishes.