Body found on beach near Napier believed to be flood victim

A body believed to have been caught in flood waters has been found near Napier.

Police say the body was found at Waiohiki.

It's believed the victim - who Stuff previously reported was a man aged in his 70s - was caught in flood water.

Waiohiki is about 7km from Napier's city centre, but the bridge that links the two areas was washed out earlier this week.

It's the seventh fatality confirmed in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, and it's feared the toll will grow further.

Two volunteer firefighters died at Muriwai, while a two-year-old girl was swept away in Hawke's Bay.

More on this topic

Second firefighter involved in Muriwai landslide dies

Craig Stevens was injured while investigating a flooded property in Auckland's Muriwai on Monday night, has died in hospital.

New Zealand

February 16, 2023

3:48

Death toll from Cyclone Gabrielle rises; Hipkins warns more could come

Six people have been confirmed dead following the floods.

New Zealand

February 16, 2023

4:50

Also in Hawke's Bay a woman died when a bank collapsed into her home in Pūtōrino, while on Tuesday evening a body washed up on a beach north of Napier.

A body has also been found in Gisborne.