The number of people whose deaths have been officially linked to Cyclone Gabrielle has risen to 11, with confirmation of two further deaths today.

In a statement, police said a who person passed away in their Onekawa home on Thursday is "believed to have died in circumstances related to Cyclone Gabrielle".

The news was soon followed by confirmation of another death in Crownthorpe, Hastings reported last night.

Police said this person was also believed to have died in circumstances related to the storm.

Both deaths have been referred to the Coroner.

Meanwhile, Hawke's Bay Civil Defence says the focus of its cyclone response efforts remains reaching isolated rural communities today, including Wairoa.

Hawke's Bay Civil Defence says the focus of its cyclone response efforts remains reaching isolated rural communities today, including Wairoa.

Yesterday 12 civilian helicopter flights landed in cut-off communities with food, water, and generators, and to check on welfare.

Edaan Lennan says those efforts will continue daily, and some communities will need to be revisited and stocked up with supplies. He says teams are also working to arrange temporary accommodation for those in evacuation centres whose homes have been destroyed.