Disaster Risks and Response

Disaster risks

The forces that have created our dramatic and beautiful landscapes also make New Zealand extremely prone to natural hazards. New Zealand:

Has the second highest insurance risk in the world (according to Lloyd's of London)
Is positioned along the collision zone of two of the Earth’s major tectonic plates (Pacific and Australian)
Has a very high risk of severe weather, earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides and tsunamis
Has infrastructure and population factors that would make us more vulnerable to damage and disruption.

Floodwaters cover the roads during the April 2018 flood

In Rotorua, our highest risks are:

Flooding due to adverse weather conditions
Volcanoes (and ash fall)
Geothermal activity.

Many people might think the biggest threat to Rotorua is geothermal activity, given the many hot springs and volcanoes in the area. In reality, flooding caused by severe weather is the most common and dangerous natural hazard Rotorua faces.

In the past 50 years, there have only been two times when the Rotorua Mayor had to declare a state of emergency, and both were because of major floods.

Flooding in Ngongotaha, Rotorua, April 2018

Other disaster risks:

Agricultural or industrial emergencies
Infrastructure failure
Public health crises or pandemics.

Quick facts about disasters and what you can do

Click on each disaster risk heading to read more about these hazards on the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence website.

With all disaster risks, it's essential to make and practice your emergency plan, pack a getaway kit and emergency supplies.

How to prepare for an emergency

Floods | Waipuke

Check your property - is it at risk of flooding?
Prepare a getaway kit
Consider storing sandbags to use to keep water away from your home
Avoid contact with floodwaters and don't drive or walk through them if possible.

Earthquakes | Rū

Earthquakes can be a warning sign for a tsunami
Quake-proof your home and have a getaway kit ready
Practice "Drop, Cover, Hold" - drop down, cover your head and neck, and hold until the shaking stops
Watch out for damaged buildings, power or gas lines and fallen trees.

Severe weather | Ngā Waipuke

Stay informed - weather systems can change quickly
Check your roof, secure large/heavy objects and stock up on repair materials like board and duct tape
Close windows/doors, pull curtains over to prevent injury from broken glass
Let us know if your house/building has been severely damaged after a storm.

Volcanic activity | Hūnga

Stay informed of nearby volcanic alert levels on GeoNet
Store water and food in case water supplies or infrastructure is cut off
Follow instructions whether to evacuate or shelter indoors - stay indoors if possible
Watch out for ash - don't go out unless you have to and use protective gear.

Tsunami | Ngaru Taitoko

If you live or work near the coast, plan your evacuation route and safe assembly area
Get familiar with the tsunami warning signs - "strong and long, get gone"
Stay away from risk areas until the all-clear is given
Take caution for floodwater damage when re-entering buildings.

Landslides | Horohoro

Look out for signs the ground is moving - leaning trees, cracks in the ground
Act quickly to get out of the landslide's path, with your getaway kit
Contact emergency services and Council to inform them
Watch out for property damage, disrupted utilities and contaminated water supplies.

Response

Emergency mobile alerts

New Zealand has an Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) system. These messages can only be sent by official channels, including the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group.

The alerts are sent using cell broadcast technology, so there is no need to sign up or download an app. You only need to make sure your phone is on and capable of receiving these alerts. Read more about EMAs and check your phone's compatibility on the Get Ready website below.

Get Ready - Emergency Mobile Alerts

What to do in an emergency

Don't wait for an official warning

Emergency Mobile Alerts are an extra tool to help protect you during emergencies. They don't replace other alerting systems or the need to take action.

Don't wait for an alert - be prepared. If you feel in danger, prioritise your safety and take immediate steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Evacuating

You might be told to evacuate by authorities, if they think your life might be in danger. You can also self-evacuate if you feel unsafe.

Wear protective, weather appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear
Take your grab bag with you, including cash and personal identification
Plan your transport and route options in case roads are damaged or congested
Leave your phone on and charged so you can get alerts - check our website, social media channels or the radio/tv for updates
If you have pets or other animals, include them in your emergency plans.

Sheltering in place/at home

In some emergency situations, it might be dangerous for your leave your home or current location. Always wait until you are told it is safe to leave, or you need to evacuate.

Don't turn off gas mains unless you are explicitly told to by authorities, or you can smell gas
Turn off water or power to prevent damage to your home or appliances
Bring pets indoors and keep them in one room.

Alert