New Zealand spends $720 million to overcome natural disaster consequences

The New Zealand government said in a statement that the funds from the 2023 budget are intended to cover the "basics" of rebuilding roads, rail links and schools, as well as flood defences.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. Photo: Reuters

Cyclone Gabrielle devastated parts of the North Island in February, killing 11 people, while flash floods caused by record rainfall also caused major damage to the country's largest city, Auckland, in January.

The New Zealand government has estimated the cost of the disasters at NZ$14.5 billion, the country's costliest disaster since the 2011 Canterbury earthquake, which caused severe damage to the city of Christchurch.

“The recovery package meets the immediate recovery needs of today and invests in greater resilience for the future,” said Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.

The spending “will return roads, rail lines and schools to pre-disaster levels this year so communities can return to normal as soon as possible,” he said in a statement.

An area heavily damaged by Hurricane Gabrielle in February 2023. Photo: AFP

The New Zealand government says it will not introduce any major new taxes to shore up its budget this year. The relief will also include mental health support for children in affected areas and job training.

Cyclone Gabrielle struck the northern tip of the North Island and moved down the east coast, causing widespread devastation. Insurers said in March they had received 40,000 claims worth about NZ$890 million for damage from the storm.

Mai Anh (according to AFP, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/new-zealand-chi-720-trieu-usd-khac-phuc-hau-qua-thien-tai-post247612.html