It's unclear just how high the death toll of Cyclone Gabrielle could rise.
Police have revealed a death in Puketapu near Napier that is related to flooding, bringing the official total of fatalities to eight.
The Hawera Hawks Rugby League Club has also reported that a club stalwart was killed by a slip on the Napier-Taupo road.
The Police Commissioner says about 4500 people are uncontactable across Tairawhiti and Hawke's Bay.
Temporary morgues have been set up at Napier Port in preparation for more fatalities.
Herald reporter Adam Pearse is there, and says that authorities won't specify how many deaths are expected.
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