Earthquake risks

Press, 27 September 1988, Page 12

Earthquake risks

Sir,—“The Press” on September 8 carried three stories about the “long overdue earthquake” Christchurch was likely to experience, and the “hundreds it would kill, and thousands it would injure.” Startling revelations! If the experts are correct, then it is totally unacceptable and ridiculous that Civil Defence has not spoken out about the danger, and the actions and precautions we should be taking. This warrants media saturation alongside the other potential killers we are warned of. All this talk behind closed doors, involving just a few is ridiculous; it involves us all, and we all should be made aware. Tell us what you know, and advise us — now — so that we are at least able to prepare ourselves, even in some small way, then maybe the “hundreds killed and thousands injured” could be substantially reduced. — Yours, etc., carol a. mcmillan. September 8, 1988.

[The Regional Civil Defence Officer, Mr Laurie Elder, replies: “The articles on September 8 highlighted only one of the many threats that face the community at large. This is not a new threat. For many years Civil Defence has published advice in the back pages of every telephone book throughout New Zealand. During the last 18 months there has been extensive advertising on radio and television, in daily newspapers, suburban newspapers and weekly publications. If your readers have not been aware of this public awareness campaign, I suggest they follow the advice in the telephone book, and contact their local Civil Defence organisation. The Canterbury Regional Civil Defence Organisation has recently commissioned a hazard analysis study to identify the specific threats as they might affect the Canterbury region and to outline, the likely social impact of such hazards. A major exercise based on this study is planned for Canterbury late in 1989. It will highlight the various threats identified and will involve many organisations and volunteers throughout the community. Associated with the exercise will be a public awareness campaign that should bring the problems and solutions to the ’ notice of the public.”]