Bay of Plenty supports tsunami review messages

People in the Bay of Plenty must understand and be prepared to respond to the threat of a tsunami – that’s the message from a review of tsunami hazard in New Zealand.

Regional Manager – Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Clinton Naude said the regional Group had received the 2013 tsunami hazard report and was working through its findings, recommendations and implications.

“We’re pleased to have this next step in developing and improving our knowledge of tsunami management in the region,” he said.

“This is another tool we will use in our work with BOP agencies and the regional community to ensure the region’s tsunami hazards are managed.

“We’re analysing the information and identifying questions and areas we want clarified by the Ministry and report authors (GNS) next month when they visit on a roadshow.

“Much of the Group’s tsunami work has focused on modelled worst case scenarios. The National Review takes a probabilistic approach, so it will take some time for us to work through the implications,” Mr Naude said.

“We want to know if there will be any implications on our latest regional or local scenarios.”

A number of actions were recommended in the report and the Bay of Plenty CDEM Group is looking at what actions it can take and what actions will be lead nationally.

The Group is pleased to see a key recommendation supports the approach that people need to take action themselves and move to higher/safe ground (self-evacuate) after a strongly felt earthquake - without waiting for an official warning.

The probability of a tsunami has not changed but the maximum possible size of a tsunami in some areas in the Bay of Plenty has increased.

A large tsunami generated very close to New Zealand would arrive before an official warning could be issued or sirens activated. People must know that if they are at the coast and feel a strong earthquake (it is hard to stand up) or a weak earthquake that lasts for a minute or more, then get to high ground or go inland. Do not wait for an official warning.

Other useful website here:

www.mcdem.govt.nz

www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz

www.gns.cri.nz

ENDS

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