Earthquake effects on rural community surveyed

Earthquake effects on rural community surveyed

Rural people with access to the internet are being asked to participate in a University of Canterbury survey to understand the effects of the September 4 earthquake.

The survey is accessible via the Rural Recovery Group pages on the Selwyn District Council website – www.selwyn.govt.nz.

Key questions are around what the earthquake felt like and what type of damage it caused; how the earthquake may have changed water resources on or beneath farms; and what damages farms have sustained, scientist Dr Tom Wilson says.

“We’ll use information obtained through the survey to advise the Rural Recovery Group on the state of the rural community; gain an understanding of groundwater conditions following the earthquake across the region; and inform the development of fault models,” Dr Wilson says.

The Rural Recovery Group consists of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Fonterra, DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb, Federated Farmers, Irrigation New Zealand, the Insurance Council, North Canterbury Rural Support Trust, banks, Selwyn District Council and several other rural sector organisations.

The idea of the university’s Natural Hazard Research Centre survey being web-based is that individuals have the choice to participate without unnecessary contact during this busy time of the year (i.e. a phone call or approach to the house).

Rural Recovery Group Co-ordinator Allan Baird welcomes the survey.

“Anything which helps us better understand the issues faced by rural folk, will help us plan effective solutions. We’re getting a pretty good understanding through the various organisations and talking directly to farmers, but this survey will provide another avenue for people to talk about their experiences. I hope people will take the opportunity to give feedback,” Mr Baird says.

Issues popping up include that farmers must still take great care when checking that grain and urea silos are not damaged; check for damage to septic tanks and diesel storage; clarifying whether domestic water sources are covered by EQC; checking whether GPS base stations have moved; understanding the significance of Council building stickers; and checking that their neighbours are still okay.

Farmers or lifestylers who need assistance or advice are able to call the Rural Recovery Group through the Selwyn District Council – 03 347 2800, or visit the RRG page on the Selwyn District Council website.

ENDS

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