New Zealand

In the area you have selected (New Zealand) tsunami hazard is classified as high according to the information that is currently available. This means that there is more than a 40% chance of a potentially-damaging tsunami occurring in the next 50 years. Based on this information, the impact of tsunami must be considered in different phases of the project for any activities located near the coast. Project planning decisions, project design, and construction methods must take into account the level of tsunami hazard. Further detailed information should be obtained to adequately account for the level of hazard.

Climate change impact: The areas at risk of tsunami will increase as global mean sea level rises. According to the IPCC (2013), global mean sea level rise depends on a variety of factors, and estimates for 2100 range from ~20 cm to nearly 1 m. However, regional changes in sea level are difficult to predict. Projects in low-lying coastal areas such as deltas, or in island states should be designed to be robust to projected increases in global sea level.

Recommendations

  • TECHNICAL EXPERTISE: Engage qualified local or international experts, with experience in the local area, to determine the tsunami risk to your project. Request their assistance in design, implementation and maintenance planning to minimise tsunami threat. More information
  • REGULATIONS: Check with local authorities to identify any local regulations concerning tsunami hazard and impacts. Ensure that the project conforms to existing tsunami avoidance zone land use planning regulations, flood regulations and any existing plans for warning and evacuation. More information
  • LOCAL IMPACT: Consider the effect that the destruction or serious damage to buildings and infrastructure associated with the planned project could have on the local population and environment. More information
  • UTILITIES AND ACCESS: Consider the impact of tsunami inundation on the availability and function of: transport, communications, water, sanitation and energy infrastructure, and public health for continued operation of the project. More information
  • CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE CONSIDERATIONS: If the project is involves the development of critical infrastructure (e.g., a hospital, fire station, or power transmission line), investigate the cascading effect of vulnerable network dependencies of the project (e.g. power supply and computer and communication networks) that may impact the project, even if the project itself is not inundated. More information
  • EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS: Early warning may be required to enable successful evacuation and to enable temporary shut-down of the project if this could reduce consequential and compounding damage. Consider the requirements for successful evacuation of the project location in case of a warning (e.g., adequate transportation, evacuation routes, and safe refuges by undertakeing evacuation planning and exercises. More information
  • INSURANCE : Consider purchasing insurance to cover potential losses to the project. While insurance does not prevent injuries or deaths, or save communities, it can certainly reduce financial losses and enable the project to recover from the effects of the earthquake and regain its function more quickly. More information
  • PHYSICAL BARRIERS: Engineered tsunami protection barriers (e.g. perimeter flood walls, water-sealed gates) may be necessary to protect the project, especially if the asset is classified as critical infrastructure. More information
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