Cyclone Gabrielle destroys New Zealand's apple crop

New Zealand is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Gabrielle which hit the country on Monday night. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins described Cyclone Gabriel as the worst weather event to hit the country in the last century. It is estimated that at least a third of the country's five million people have been affected. A state of emergency has been declared in the country.

images/1676968107993apple sorter.jpg

The apple harvest in New Zealand has just begun and many of the trees have been badly damaged by the storm. Large apple trees full of fruit that had to be climbed by ladders at harvest time are now toppled over and the fruit is piled up around the stumps of the trees. Growers were unable to access the orchards, but one grower said the damage could run into millions.