Earthquakes cannot be predicted, but our response to them can.
While New Zealand’s landscape was largely shaped by earthquakes — there are about 20,000 earthquakes a year although only 100 to 150 are strong enough to be felt — events in recent years have demonstrated how destructive and disruptive they can be.
Central Otago is likely to be severely affected by an earthquake on the Alpine Fault, which runs almost the length of the West Coast.
Scientists have records going back about 8000 years on that fault and movement seems to be fairly consistent in both size and frequency. They have predicted there is a 75% chance of a magnitude 8 earthquake occurring in the next 50 years.
The AF8 Programme — a Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management-funded project to improve knowledge of, readiness for and resilience to the potential earthquake — will be in Cromwell on Tuesday. Leading scientists will talk about the likely impact of that event and how to better prepare for it.
An earthquake of that magnitude could isolate communities for days and possibly weeks.
Some of the things that could help prepare for such an event are making a plan with family, flatmates or friends about everyday needs such as food, water, power and communication, and to work out what you would do if you did not have them; getting to know neighbours and their contact details in case of an emergency and setting up supplies for your household, including water for several days.
The AF8 Roadshow will be at the Cromwell Presbyterian Church on Tuesday at 6.30pm.
