Wellington still prone to quakes

Emergency authorities are urging people living in the Wellington area to not be complacent despite new findings that show a decrease in the chances of a big earthquake devastating the region.

New research found the Wellington fault, which runs through the centre of the capital, is about 50 percent less likely to rupture in the next 100 years than previously thought.

The findings were the result of a $3.5 million multi-agency study of Wellington's earthquake risk - the most comprehensive to date.

Scientists concluded the Wellington fault, regarded until recently as primed and capable of producing a big earthquake fairly soon, had longer quiet spells between big ruptures than was generally accepted.

However, Wellington City Council's emergency preparedness manager, Fred Mecoy, said people should remember the Wellington fault was only one of many faultlines in the region.

"While most people know it runs through the city and along the Hutt Road, it's not actually the Wellington fault that's caused the big quakes in the region over the past 150 years.

"It's actually the Wairarapa fault - over the other side of the Orongorongo Range - that's caused the damage.

"It's a reminder that a big earthquake will cause damage over a very wide area, possibly in most parts of the country."

The magnitude 5.2 jolt that woke Wellingtonians on August 28 was centred underwater in Cook Strait, which showed the area was prone to frequent earthquakes from the 50 active faults in the Wellington region, Mr Mecoy said.

These could still be devastating to a city like Wellington as many of them were capable of producing a damaging earthquake.

"Don't forget that, like many cities, Wellington also faces other hazards such as storms and flooding, tsunami, landslips and man-made hazards.

"Awareness and preparation are vital for coping with unexpected emergencies."

The easiest way to be prepared is to have a household emergency plan in place and emergency survival items, he said.

"Make sure your torches and radio are in working order and you have spare batteries. Stock up on cans of food and water, at least three litres per person per day for a minimum of three days.

"You should also have a supply of essential items like medicines, and other necessities of life," he said.

- NZPA