"We have followed the reports with concern"
Crown Princess Victoria about her concerns in New Zealand
Of:
Jenny Alexandersson
Published: Today 17.25
Updated: Today 17.51
Cyclone Gabrielle has claimed several lives in New Zealand. Large areas are flooded and buildings have collapsed.
Crown Princess Victoria is some distance away from the worst affected areas, but is very concerned about the situation.
- We have followed the reports from all over the country with deep concern, says the Crown Princess.
A third of New Zealand's roughly five million inhabitants have been affected by the extreme storm and over 10,000 people have been forced from their homes.
- It is a significant disaster that is life-threatening for New Zealanders, said Prime Minister Chris Hipkins when he declared a national state of emergency in the country a few days ago.
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel are currently on a trip to Australia and New Zealand to strengthen the ties between the two countries and Sweden. They started the journey in Australia and were constantly informed about the situation in New Zealand.
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel visited the protected nature area Zealandia Ecosanctuary in Wellington, New Zealand. The couple is located some distance from the worst affected areas of New Zealand. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT
Didn't want to cancel the trip
According to information given to Aftonbladet, there was concern and consideration for the host country from the Swedish side. The question was asked several times if New Zealand wanted to cancel the visit given the circumstances.
But the organizers still wanted to carry out the visit and the crown princess couple landed in New Zealand on Thursday after the cyclone had passed.
- Let me begin by conveying my sincere sympathy to all those affected by the extreme weather in recent weeks. We have followed the reports from all over the country with deep concern. Being here today is therefore even more meaningful, said Victoria during a speech at the Mayor of Wellington.
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel attended a lunch and conversation with Governor General Cindy Kiro in Wellington, New Zealand on Friday. Cyclone Gabrielle was of course a big topic of conversation. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT
"My deepest respect"
Earlier in the day, the Crown Princess praised the emergency services and all affected communities for vital efforts.
- They have my deepest respect and admiration.
Victoria and Daniel's commitment to the victims in New Zealand is great.
- During their meetings with various New Zealand representatives, the crown princess couple has taken part in descriptions from several parts of the country, says the court's deputy information manager Johan Tegel, who is with the crown princess couple in New Zealand.
Large areas in parts of New Zealand are flooded following the advance of Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo: Kerry Marshall/Getty Images
Facts
Cyclone Gabrielle
New Zealand was hit by the cyclone at the beginning of the week.
The storm created major floods and landslides.
Four people have died, one of whom is a child. Over 10,000 have been forced from their homes. A thousand people are still missing.
Over 300 people have been rescued from rooftops using helicopters in flooded areas.
Late on Wednesday, the country was hit by an earthquake that reached 6.0 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was at sea near the city of Wellington.
New Zealand's climate minister James Shaw links the cyclone to the climate crisis.
- The seriousness of it is of course exacerbated by the fact that our global temperatures have already increased by 1.1 degrees, said the climate minister in parliament on Tuesday.
Facts
The Crown Princess couple's trip to Australia and New Zealand
Victoria and Daniel visit Australia and New Zealand for six days. The aim is to strengthen the ties between the two countries and Sweden.
The couple is traveling between February 13-18.
They focus on climate issues, entrepreneurship, health and innovations, among other things. Minister of State Johan Forssell, Minister for Aid and Foreign Trade, represents the government during the trip.
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