Cyclone Gabrielle was a significant natural disaster that impacted various regions, including KiwiRail’s North Auckland Line in New Zealand. The cyclone caused extensive damage, leading to the closure of critical infrastructure and necessitating immediate emergency response efforts. ENGEO played a crucial role in the aftermath, providing rapid assessments and solutions to mitigate the effects of the disaster and restore normalcy.
ENGEO was an integral part of the national delivery team responding to the closure of KiwiRail’s North Auckland Line due to the Cyclone Gabrielle and Auckland Anniversary storm events. Our team conducted initial emergency response assessments, undertook risk assessments under the KiwiRail Qualitative Risk Assessment Framework, and provided preliminary advice to reinstate the operation of the line ahead of permanent remediation measures. ENGEO’s multidisciplinary team, including geologists, geotechnical engineers, hydrologists, and CAD specialists, worked collaboratively to address the challenges posed by the cyclone.
The cyclone caused many landslides and debris flows leading to widespread damage to infrastructure, disruption to transportation corridors and posed significant risks to public safety. The need for immediate action to assess and mitigate the damage required a swift and coordinated response from the ENGEO team. Collecting accurate and timely data in the field was critical for effective decision-making and planning of remedial measures.
ENGEO deployed teams to walk the impacted sections of the North Auckland Line, collecting site data using Starlink-enabled tablets and flying UAVs to capture high-resolution aerial imagery of landslide sites. This data was transmitted back to the office in real-time, allowing for rapid preparation of site observation memos concurrently with the fieldwork. ENGEO worked closely with KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response. The team provided comprehensive reporting, including guidance on options to mitigate the risk of loss of life where the assessed unmitigated risk was intolerable. ENGEO employed advanced geotechnical analysis software to model predicted failure mechanisms and develop suitable solutions. The team also utilized RTK UAV survey techniques to create ground surface models reflecting post-landslide topography, enabling accurate site plans and geomorphological maps.
ENGEO’s emergency response to Cyclone Gabrielle demonstrated our commitment to protecting communities and infrastructure through rapid and effective solutions. Our multidisciplinary team’s expertise and collaborative approach ensured that critical infrastructure was assessed and remediated promptly, minimizing the impact of the disaster and enhancing resilience for future events.
