11 Oct 2019

Could vertical evacuation structures help in a tsunami?

From Nine To Noon, 9:42 am on 11 October 2019

Vertical structures that people could use to get themselves out of the way of a tsunami are being considered for use in Hawke's Bay. As more research is done into the potential risk from the Hikurangi subduction zone, several communities in and around Napier have been identified as likely to struggle to reach higher ground in the event of a tsunami. One option being investigated are vertical evacuation structures.The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is currently working on guidelines for the construction of such structures. Kathryn discusses the issue with Ian Macdonald, Group Manager Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management and Jenni Tipler, a senior structural engineer with MBIE.

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Photo: NZ Civil Defence