Map helps to identify tsunami danger zones
A new map that shows the country’s tsunami danger zones will help people understand when to evacuate.
‘‘In an emergency every second counts,’’ Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty said. ‘‘So it’s crucial people have a plan in place before something happens.’’
People can enter their address into the map that uses data from 16 regional evacuation maps and local evacuation information and receive advice on when to leave home or work.
‘‘This map makes it easier for people to know where their closest safe ground is, and to have a plan to get there,’’
McAnulty visited Niwa and spoke to the scientists working on tsunami sensor networks yesterday.
The science organisation estimated more than 430,000 Kiwis – 9% of the population – live in tsunami evacuation zones. The areas contain 490,000 buildings, of which 400,000 are residential. The zones also include 6370km of roads, 411km of railway lines, and Auckland and Wellington airports.
The map is another tool in the toolkit, adding to existing measures – the National Geohazards Monitoring Centre, the Dart (Deep-ocean assessment and reporting of tsunamis) sensor network to provide early warning of threats, and the emergency mobile alert system.
Last month, the National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) opened a 24-7 Monitoring, Alerting and Reporting (Mar) Centre, in which staff provide round-the-clock monitoring and assessment of potential hazards.
‘‘You shouldn’t wait until an emergency to check whether you’re in a tsunami evacuation zone – there is no better time than now to make sure you’re prepared and your plan is up-to-date to keep you and your whānau safe,’’ McAnulty said.