Wellington: At least 11 people died as a result of the devastating Cyclone Gabrielle, with New Zealand issuing a warning on Monday that the total cost of the disaster could exceed $8 billion.

On February 12, a cyclone made landfall in the northernmost part of New Zealand's North Island. It then moved eastward, wreaking havoc along the east coast. The largest natural disaster to hit New Zealand in the last century, according to Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, is Gabrielle.

Hipkins said at a press conference announcing an emergency NZ$300 million ($187.08 million) cyclone relief package: "The required investment to reconnect our communities and future-proof our nation's infrastructure is going to be significant, and it will require hard decisions."

According to Grant Robertson, Minister of Finance, the total cost to the government could be similar to the NZ$13.5 billion (8.42 billion) it spent rebuilding Christchurch following the devastating earthquake in 2011.

In addition to his current responsibilities, Robertson has been appointed Minister of Cyclone Recovery.

The interim package includes NZ$50 million in emergency support for businesses and primary producers and NZ$250 million to repair crucial roads in disaster-affected areas. The government is anticipated to provide more funding for relief and reconstruction.

In order to aid in the relief and recovery efforts, Hipkins also extended the national state of emergency, which was declared last week for just the third time in history, for an additional seven days.

Most of the 11 cyclone-related deaths, which were confirmed by police, occurred in Hawke's Bay on the North Island. Approximately 2,200 people are still missing.

The number of fatalities will probably increase, New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said on Monday's AM Show, adding that it is difficult to get in touch with those who have been affected because of communication problems.

With another 30 on the way, New Zealand has launched 60 SpaceX-built Starlink satellites to fill in network gaps for the approximately 15,000 people still without power on the North Island.

Search and rescue teams are still operating in cyclone-damaged areas as part of recovery efforts, and some homes continue to lack power and telecommunications. People are reporting problems getting cash, and roads are closed.