We can't predict earthquakes, but we can prepare for them.

Marlborough Emergency Management’s Senior Advisor Community Resilience Dave Parsons says the award-winning AF8 Roadshow: The Science Beneath Our Feet visiting Marlborough next week is a free public science talk designed to build resilience to the next Alpine Fault earthquake.

“The AF8 Roadshow is a chance to hear from leading Alpine Fault scientists about the likely impacts of an Alpine Fault earthquake in our region and how we can be better prepared for such an event,” Dave said.

Earthquake scientists and Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups have partnered for the fourth time to bring the popular roadshow to more than 20 South Island communities to share world-leading science.

Marlborough Girls’ and Boys’ Colleges, Queen Charlotte College and Richmond View School will receive visits and there are two public meetings in Marlborough – at the Renwick Anglican Parish Hall on 7 May at 7pm and the Queen Charlotte College Hall on 8 May at 7pm. All are welcome and no RSVP is required.

“The roadshow is part of an ongoing series of activities designed to support conversations and knowledge sharing around large natural hazard events like an Alpine Fault earthquake, ensuring that communities and agencies are collectively better prepared.

“While we can’t predict when earthquakes will occur, scientific research indicates there is a 75% probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, and that there is a 4 out of 5 chance that it will be a magnitude 8+ event,” Dave said.

AF8 Science Lead (University of Canterbury) Dr Tom Robinson said the fact that roadshow is on its fourth tour was testament to the support and interest in the science from communities. “While we can’t predict when the next large Alpine Fault earthquake will happen, we know it will cause severe disruption and pose a major challenge for the nation. The AF8 Roadshow plays a critical role in supporting our communities to make informed decisions and to understand and prepare for this inevitable earthquake.”

The AF8 Roadshow is sponsored by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC).

NHC Public Education Manager Hamish Armstrong said research indicated there was a 75 per cent probability of an Alpine Fault earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, which would impact the entire South Island and beyond. “It’s so important that we’re well-informed about what those impacts could look like for our homes and families - and that people know there’s a lot we can all be doing to be well prepared."

For more information go to: https://af8.org.nz/explore-the-science/af8-roadshow

To take a 3D tour of the Alpine Fault, hear from the scientists and explore the potential impacts of the next large Alpine Fault earthquake for the South Island go to: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/424c14ec8d5a4c32829d21fde9244818

© Scoop Media