Earthquakes

Press, 26 February 1981, Page 16

Earthquakes

Sir, — After listening yesterday to “Spectrum” on the Napier earthquake, and earlier to reports from the conference on earthquakes, I cannot understand why the authorities concerned must concentrate solely on schools as earthquake- risks. Surely nature will not be so selective. When, if ever, a major quake strikes this area, destruction will be total, and casualties will surely be heavier in the larger commercial, hospital and domestic sections of the population than among agile school pupils capable of escaping at high speed to open ground. While prestigious high-rise complexes collapse across narrow thoroughfares, blocking escape, two-storeyed school blocks can be evacuated within one to two minutes if the sensible, regular training of World War II and post-war years is still conscientiously practised. Perhaps it is time

to undertake a balance study covering human capacity to meet such emergencies as well as buildings alone. — Yours, etc (Mrs) V. F. JOBBERNS. February 22, 1981.