People from all over the country will be on their hands and knees under sturdy furniture on Thursday (October 28) as they take part in the New Zealand Shake Out, the national earthquake drill.

The drill, taking place at 9.30am on Thursday, is a chance for people to practice the right actions to take in a strong earthquake, and for one minute they ‘will drop, cover and hold’. 

The practice could save lives in the event of a severe earthquake, because it helps people learn the right way to respond, and organisers are encouraging everyone in the community to take part.

It’s particularly important in Otago, which is laced with active fault lines, including the Titri, Akatore, Moonlight and Cardrona faults. 

The 600km Alpine fault, which was earlier this year was discovered to be more than twice as likely to cause a serious earthquake as previously believed, also runs through the region.

See also:

‘Risk of major earthquake more than doubled’

Earthquake wakes Wānaka

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is participating in the New Zealand Shake Out on Thursday, QLDC media and channels advisor Sam White said.

“This reflects our support for the annual event and is part of our wider partnership with the national Emergency Management agency in helping raise awareness and improve preparedness for natural hazards amongst our community.”

It is registered as a participating organisation. Other businesses, organisations, schools, individuals and families can sign up here.

An Emergency Management Otago public awareness and preparedness survey in 2019 found that 83 per cent of Otago residents understood that earthquakes could directly affect them and their family, but not everyone knew what to do. 

Sign up for the New Zealand Shake Out or find more information here.

PHOTO: Supplied