Understanding our tsunami risk: New dates for the Waimakariri District
Picture this: a tsunami wave will hit Pegasus Bay in one hour. Where would you go? What would you do?
Pre-eminent geohazard researcher Helen Jack knows the risks, warning signs, and what to do and will be delivering a series of community talks to raise awareness of this underappreciated hazard.
The 'Hikurangi: Let’s not be surprised’ series kicked off on Wednesday 30th April in Rangiora and more dates have been added for June and August due to demand. The one hour sessions are led by Environment Canterbury geohazard scientist Helen Jack and supported by the Waimakariri Civil Defence Emergency Management team.
With more than 20 years’ experience researching earthquake and tsunami hazards in Canterbury, Helen will dive deeper into what the Hikurangi subduction zone is, our risk, likely impacts, and discuss what people and communities can do to prepare.
Find out more about the Kihurangi subduction zone (GNS Science).
Helen says that while people may consider the Hikurangi subduction zone as a North Island issue, there is enough science now to support it being a hazard here too.
“The programme of tsunami modelling we commissioned GNS Science to do for us between 2018 and 2024 really highlighted the threat to Canterbury.
“This is because of the way the tsunami waves bend around the islands and underwater seamounts to the east of New Zealand to send waves around in Canterbury’s direction. And the way that the Chatham Rise – the shallow piece of water between Canterbury and the Chatham Islands – tends to focus the waves into Pegasus Bay.
“I will be showing some nifty animations that illustrate this really well,” she says.
Aside from tsunamis, Helen says the Hikurangi subduction zone could produce an earthquake up to three minutes long, with the potential for damaging shaking in Waimakariri.
“So, the impacts of the earthquake could be similar to an Alpine Fault earthquake, and we will talk about this too.”
Helen’s talks will be tailored to each town – whether they’re in a tsunami evacuation zone or not. She says residents who live inland “might expect to accommodate their coastal friends who are evacuating, so have the tea and biscuits ready.”
These important community science sessions have been developed in partnership with University of Canterbury, Environment Canterbury and Emergency Management Canterbury to build awareness and resilience in our emergency systems through considering the reality of our tsunami risk.
'Hikurangi: Let's not be surprised' events
- Tuesday 24th June (7 to 8pm): Kaiapoi Rugby Football Clubrooms.
- Wednesday 25th June (10 to 11am): Kaiapoi Rugby Football Clubrooms.
- Wednesday 25th June (7 to 8pm): Pegasus School Hall.
- Thursday 26th June (7 to 8pm): Pines Beach Hall.
- Tuesday 19th August (7 to 8pm): Waikuku Beach Hall.
- Wednesday 20th August (10 to 11am): Oxford Town Hall.
- Wednesday 20th August (7 to 8pm): Oxford Town Hall.
- Thursday 21st August (10 to 11am): Woodend Community Centre.
- Thursday 21st August (7 to 8pm): Woodend Community Centre.