⚠️ This episode includes references to the tragic loss of life in the Esk Valley area during Cyclone Gabrielle. Listener discretion is advised.

As Cyclone Gabrielle begins to pound Hawke’s Bay, SSGT Davey Forbes and SGT Storm Harrison are ready to deploy into Esk Valley.

They arrive at 03:30. Cries for help slice through the roar of water pouring through the valley. As they plough into the flood, a massive surge swamps the Unimog and forces a hasty retreat. It’s a near miss that almost ends in disaster. They must regroup, reassess and evacuate those they can. When they return to the valley at daybreak, they’re confronted by scenes of total devastation. This is home turf, and the enormity of it weighs heavily as the search for survivors begins.

Storm and Davy recount the harrowing events of February 14th when Cyclone Gabrielle struck Hawke’s Bay. Everyone had under-estimated the scale of Cyclone Gabrielle, but fortunately, Storm had returned home early from a major training exercise in Waiouru. As the cyclone unleashed its fury, they mobilised at 2 AM to rescue a trapped family between Napier and Taupo. But on the way, they discovered the unfolding disaster in Esk Valley. They battled treacherous conditions to reach those who’d become trapped by rising floodwaters and were almost swept away themselves. Local knowledge and camaraderie proved crucial in their response as hours turned into days and days into weeks. Despite emotional and physical exhaustion, they pushed forward, driven by the connection to their home turf. (See below the meaning of Turangawaewae). Both men underscore the importance of preparedness and local expertise in disaster response. Their narrative also highlights the collaborative efforts between military, police, firefighters, and locals, painting a vivid picture of resilience and heroism in the face of disaster.

Please note the following:

• No one died on Glengarry Rd
• SOP = standard operating procedure
• CDEM = Civil Defence Emergency Management

Te Reo Translations

Aue an exclamation of annoyance or distress

Mahi work

Mana a presence of power, authority or status

Marae a complex of meeting areas at the heart of a traditional Maori community. Used for formal and informal occasions.

• Marae atea: the open courtyard or public forum in front of the meeting house

• Wharenui: the meeting house itself (also often referred to as the marae)

• Wharekai: dining and kitchen areas

Panui An announcement or message

Tamariki Children

Turangawaewae The direct translation is a place to stand, but the meaning is much more powerful. A place of origin, connection and deep roots.

Whanau Family

Whenua Land, territory or domain.

Chapters

00:00 Intro and recap of Episode 2

00:38 February 13th

05:10 Davey gets a call-up.

08:00 Bay View

10:45 Getting to Esk Valley

13:25 Eskdale School

16:20 Taking the plunge

19:20 Regroup

21:00 Evacuate

22:40 A small world

23:30 A good swimmer

24:05 A brief diversion

24:45 Back in Bay View @ 06:30

26:00 Don’t die

26:25 HQ

27:45 Triage

29:50 CDEM

32:10 Esk Valley

33:10 Cutting a track

34:05 The Navy SEAL brothers

35:30 Search and Rescue

40:20 Quicksand

42:45 The cavalry arrive

44:00 Eskdale Drive

50:30-50:45⚠️

52:20-53:00 ⚠️

50:50 Emotional impacts

54:30 Control & command.

58:20 Beyond Esk Valley

58:30-58:45 ⚠️

1:03:20 Pan Pac Mill

1:05:50 Local knowledge

1:07:20 An uncertain future

1:07:45 Next week….

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