New Zealand declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after Cyclone Gabrielle brought high swells, strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and homes in the North Island region. Tens of thousands of homes are reported to be without power after substations and power networks were severely damaged. Some towns have become isolated after extensive flooding, landslides, and damaged roads have made them difficult to reach. Although the worst of the storm has passed New Zealand’s largest city, the country braces itself for more wind and rain as the cyclone moves further south. “At 3 p.m. (0200 GMT) Gabrielle was around 160 km (100 miles) southeast of Auckland, near the east coast of the country's North Island, and is expected to continue moving southeast, roughly parallel to the coast. Weather warnings remain in place for much of the east coast of the North Island and upper South Island,” reported Reuters. Ports Auckland suspended operations on Sunday night in preparation for the cyclone as it neared the country’s North Island. All vessels were asked to anchor further out to sea until conditions improved. The port announced this morning it will begin moving vessels alongside from 19:00 hours today to resume operations at 07:00 hours Wednesday, 15 February. Also affected by the cyclone are Napier and Tauranga ports on the North Island's east coast. Both ports suspended shipping movements and sent vessels at anchor further out to sea for safety. Napier Port closed its Eastern gates at 17:00 on 13 February while others remained operational. In an announcement this morning, the port will remain closed until midday on 15 February after an assessment of the damage and repairs to affected areas are completed. In response to port closures, some carriers have announced omissions and alternative ports of discharge for cargo destined for these ports.