Cyclone Bola 1988

Recorded March 6th, 1988, as cyclone Bola was about to wreak havoc for 7 days on the East Coast of New Zealand.
Bola caused severe damage to the North Island of New Zealand, where heavy rainfall peaked at 917 mm (36.1 in) in the Gisborne Region. Damage totaled over $82 million (1988 USD). Many people were cut off for weeks, Civil Defense ordered the filming of some of the damage by air to view. Many knew of the recording and wanted to see just how much trouble the area was in. A showing was held at the Lawson Field Theatre for one night, which turned into 3 weeks. After viewing damage many contributed to the mayor's relief fund raising some $13,000 in contributions.
Filmed by Mark Chrisp from the 6th of March prior to the event, to the 14th March 1988. Shot on a 8mm video camera with little experience, if only I could go back with what I know now, I cringe at the skill level, but we all have to start somewhere.
Many have original VHS copies produced in 1988, but this KZbin version was converted to digital from the original 8mm video, 6th of March 2024, 36 years later. The film has been remixed to meet KZbin licensing, but the vision remains the same.

[@jase4270]

Thanks for this. Love old videos of N.Z.I live in the South Island.

[@vanessadorreen8195]

Notice the lack of forest slash

[@Mark-GVP]

Very noticeable, if the so-called 'woody debris' volume today existed back in 1988 with a 917mm rainfall, this would be a different film. I found this info on Wikipedia: "The New Zealand government provided about $80 million (1988 NZD) to the east coast region of the North Island for assisting in cyclone damage. $8 million was used to create an East Coast Forestry Conservation Scheme, which was set to protect forests and prevent erosion." Sadly, with more battering rams poised in the hills ready for future weather events, a catastrophic documentary awaits, I hope I'm not here. Greed is such a dangerous human condition when it promotes short cuts, blinds responsibilities and enables a complete disregard to the future.

[@millsyinnz]

I remember Bola, even though I was only 7 at the time. My school was closed for two days, and my family and I went for a drive round town to check out the damage. I remember seeing all the greenery blown onto the road. The weather was still pretty bad for a few days after the cyclone.

[@diontaedaughtry974]

Great video 👍👍

[@marakinz4241]

An excellent record of the impact of Bola, completely spoiled by the unnecessary use of poorly chosen production music. Not needed, the footage speaks for itself. In fact it’s distracting and somewhat irritating. Should seriously consider putting out a version minus the music.

[@livingterminal5792]

I lived through that, Insane also helped clean up many vineyards to save root stock .

[@BakedKiwi]

If that happened now it would be climate change 😏

[@joefarmer4618]

aw they had their own theories back then too dont you worry