Nearly 50 people attended a Civil Defence meeting at the Waimate Event Centre on Wednesday 12 March to hear about natural hazards in our district. Oliver Hermans, part of Environment Canterbury’s (ECan) Natural Hazards team based at Timaru, talked about the various types of flooding risks that exist within the district and their potential impacts.
Helen Jack, senior natural hazards scientist at ECan, spoke about Waimate’s earthquake and tsunami hazards. Both presentations were followed by a lively question-and-answer session. The audience included elected members and representatives from Waimate Police, Timaru FENZ, ECan, Te Runanga o Waihao, Fonterra, Grey Power, the Department of Conservation, and local Civil Defence community response groups.
One of the major takeaways is that there is a 75% chance of the Alpine Fault rupturing within the next 50 years. Modelling shows Waimate District can expect about three minutes of magnitude 4-5 shaking. Some other parts of the South Island will be very badly affected, and these are the communities that help will flow to first. Supply lines (food, power, etc) will also be disrupted. There’s no way of knowing exactly how this earthquake would impact us, but this is a good opportunity to think about preparedness – your own personal readiness, that of your neighbours, friends, and extended family, and the communities of Waimate District.
Ann Dennison from Bushtown said: “Really good session. I forwarded information to all our volunteers and committee.” Jeannie Hogarth said: “The weather was dreadful, but the discussions were riveting. Helen Jack was inspiring, and I learnt so much from her presentation.”
For more information go to getready.govt.nz
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