Temporary morgues set up at Napier Port, Hastings hospital amid cyclone's devastation
Friday, 17 February 2023
A temporary morgue is operating out of Napier Port as the city deals with the devastating consequences of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Police confirmed the facility was set up to make sure fatalities could be “managed with care and respect”. Temporary facilities were also set up at Hawke’s Bay Hospital in Hastings.
Todd Dawson, Napier Port’s chief executive, earlier confirmed a morgue had been set up temporarily to help with the response.
Eight people have died as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle and the death toll is expected to rise.
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“The army and police are set up at the port and part of that is a temporary mortuary,” Dawson said.
A spokesperson for Police said it was “standard practice” to consider how best to deal with casualties in a significant emergency situation. There were temporary morgues set up at the port in Napier and Hawke’s Bay Hospital.
“The facilities have been established as a precaution to ensure that any fatalities can be managed with care and respect, and in accordance with coronial processes. They are held there before being taken to a mortuary.”
Dawson said the port – based in Ahuriri – was asked to provide Defence Force and police with support because it had back-up generators, refrigeration, and came through the cyclone “remarkably well”.
The port would also be important in the recovery phase with roads around the region decimated. Shipping was expected to recommence from Friday.
A spokesperson for Defence Force said the army was providing support to police but was not the lead agency on the morgue.