Poor turnout for tsunami talks
When November’s quake shook Lower Hutt, confusion and anger gripped the city.
In the hours following the disaster, many people tried to drive to the nearest hill, causing traffic jams and showing the desperate need for people to be more prepared for the worst.
So Lower Hutt residents’ largely apathetic response to a new plan to handle tsunamis has officials disappointed.
Instead of relying on sirens, the council is encouraging people to respond to a large earthquake by moving inland.
Blue lines will soon go in across the city to give people a better idea of how far inland a tsunami could reach.
But barely anyone has turned up to the city council’s recent public information meetings to discuss the new approach.
Even in Eastbourne, where a tsunami would cause mayhem, there was little interest, Mayor Ray Wallace said.
Projections suggest a major tsunami would travel across the harbour at more than 200km/h, with enough energy to reach Melling Bridge.
Wallace was ‘‘disappointed’’ with the lack of interest in the public meetings and believed it reflects a level of complacency across the city.
‘‘It still shocks me, as mayor, the number of mum and dads who work in Wellington and who have no plans for their kids.
‘‘It could be days before they get back to Lower Hutt.’’
A really big earthquake is likely to knock out the siren system.
That is why the council is pushing the message ‘‘if it is long and strong be gone’’ and for residents to have an escape route planned.
Regulatory services general manager Geoff Stuart said the message applied to residents across the city, including Eastbourne and the Wainuiomata coast.
Petone, however, was a major headache because of the distance people had to travel to be safe.
As well as the blue lines, signage would point people towards the quickest route to safety.
Stuart said the council was working with GNS Science to update its tsunami information.
Residents in the evacuation zones should leave in a large earthquake.
To find out if you live in an evacuation zone go to Tsunamimaps.