A debris blockage in the Esk River likely worsened flooding during Cyclone Gabrielle, contributing to two deaths.

During Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023, evidence presented at a New Zealand coroner’s inquest suggests the Esk River’s mouth near Napier became blocked by a large debris raft, likely formed by uprooted trees and other materials swept into floodwaters. This blockage may have redirected the river’s flow, worsening upstream flooding that contributed to the deaths of two people. Aerial and ground observations, photos, and witness accounts support this theory, with peak river flow exceeding 2,175 cubic meters per second—more than double previous major events. The inquest continues.