Cyclone Gabrielle: child among four dead in New Zealand storms as regions remain cut off

North Island wakes to devastation, as flood waters continue to rise, hundreds rescued from rooftops and more than 10,000 people displaced

New Zealand was attempting to come to grips with the extent of destruction from Cyclone Gabrielle, as the severe weather system moves away from the country, leaving behind high flood waters, widespread damage, more than 10,000 displaced and at least four dead, including one child.

Police have received more than 1440 reports of missing people, and while they expect many of those people to be found, prime minister Chris Hipkins said on Wednesday evening that there are several people missing for whom the police do hold grave concerns".