20 Feb 2023

Cyclone Gabrielle: an Esk Valley survival story

From Nine To Noon, 9:48 am on 20 February 2023
An NH90 helicopter and crew recover people from the rooftops of their homes in Esk Valley, Napier.

An NH90 helicopter and crew recover people from the rooftops of their homes in Esk Valley, Napier. Photo: Supplied / NZDF

There have been some incredible survival stories in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, some are only just emerging as communications are slowly restored in the worst affected areas. Two Hawkes Bay brothers, Chris and Phillip Barber from the Esk Valley tell Susie how they were reunited after a harrowing silence.