Award-winning AF8 Roadshow coming to Oamaru

AF8 [Alpine Fault magnitude 8], in collaboration with leading earthquake scientists and Emergency Management Otago, is bringing the award-winning AF8 Roadshow to Oamaru. 

The AF8 Roadshow aims to share the Alpine Fault hazard science with communities to improve understanding of the hazard risk and enable conversations on how to be better prepared.  

A community science talk will be held in Oamaru on Tuesday 16 May at the Oamaru Opera House from 5.30pm with East Otago High School hosting a school visit for pupils to learn about the science beneath their feet. 

Toka Tū Ake EQC Chief Resilience & Research Officer Dr. Jo Horrocks says that recent weather events have shown how important it is we be prepared for different natural hazards.  

“Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent storms have shown how much our lives can be turned upside down by natural hazards. A significant event on the Alpine Fault has the potential to impact the entire South Island and beyond, so it’s so important that we’re well-informed and doing all we can to build our resilience now."  

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said "The more opportunities our communities have to learn about the hazards around them and the potential impacts, the more they can plan and prepare for disruption.  The Alpine Fault will rupture again at some stage, and it will likely cause a very significant level of damage and create a huge impact on the people of the South Island. We’re pleased to be hosting the AF8 team in Oamaru and encourage members of the public to attend this talk to join the conversation on how to be better prepared."

Associate Prof. Caroline Orchiston, the AF8 Science-lead, stated, "We can't predict when earthquakes will occur, but scientific research has shown that the Alpine Fault has a history of generating regular, large earthquakes. The next major Alpine Fault event is likely to occur within our lifetime, and we must take steps now to prepare."  

ENDS 

For further information contact: 

Erica Andrews 

Stakeholder Engagement Advisor 

Erica.andrews@otagocdem.govt.nz 

027 351 7362