Update to Hawke’s Bay Tsunami Evacuation Map.

On the 10^th of October, Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (HBCDEM) will be updating the way tsunami evacuation zones are displayed for the entire Hawke’s Bay region.

The new single blue zone shows all areas that could be affected by a tsunami, making it easier for everyone to understand where to self-evacuate from if a tsunami threat occurs.

Our previous map had red, orange, and yellow zones to reflect different tsunami sizes, however for a long or strong earthquake, people in all evacuation zones were advised to move inland or to higher ground.

 “We (HBCDEM) have changed from our previous three evacuation zones to just one blue zone,” said Shane Briggs, Acting Group Manager Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management.

“This is the best way to represent the potential risk of a tsunami and to clearly show in blue which areas need to self-evacuate following a long or strong earthquake.”

Mr. Briggs added,

“We advise that everyone takes the time to check the updated tsunami evacuation maps and remember the message: if an earthquake is long or strong, get gone. Move immediately out of the blue zone.”

HBCDEM also encourages every household to plan their own tsunami evacuation route. Knowing where to go before an emergency happens is key. Practice walking to a safe location that is outside the blue zone, so that in the event of a long or strong earthquake, you and your family know exactly what to do.

“The tsunami evacuation zone map is a practical tool to help remind people of what to do if they feel a long or strong earthquake,” said Mr. Briggs.

“Everyone who lives, works, or spends time in a coastal tsunami evacuation zone should have a personal emergency plan that includes their tsunami evacuation route.”

The move to a single blue evacuation zone is part of a national effort to standardise how tsunami evacuation zones are communicated, and Hawke’s Bay joins other regions, such as Bay of Plenty and Waikato, in adopting this approach.

Over the coming months, the HBCDEM team will be working closely with communities to update the tsunami hazard information boards located in coastal areas. We will also be installing new signage to reflect the updated evacuation zones and make sure that the information is easily accessible.

“In the meantime, we encourage all residents to visit our updated online maps, learn more about tsunami hazards, and take steps to prepare an evacuation plan as part of your household emergency planning,” Mr. Briggs concludes.

For more information on tsunami evacuation routes and safe locations, HBCDEM encourage people to visitwww.hbemergency.govt.nz/hazards/tsunami

10 October 2024

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