AF8 [Alpine Fault magnitude 8] is again teaming up with leading earthquake scientists and Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups to bring the award-winning AF8 Roadshow to more South Island communities.

The “AF8 Roadshow: The Science Beneath Our Feet” features public science talks and classroom sessions designed to share the story of the Alpine Fault, the impacts and consequences of a future magnitude 8 earthquake, and how people can become better prepared for it.

Public events are planned in 14 communities, including 15 school visits, around the South Island, with leading scientists talking about the work they do and sharing the Alpine Fault hazard and impact science.

The closest event to Wanaka this time around will be held at the Alexandra Memorial Hall, 7pm on Tuesday April 13. The full itinerary of events is available here.

The AF8 Roadshow offers classroom sessions and public talks.

While thinking about the Alpine Fault and its potential impact can feel daunting, there’s still a lot communities and people can do to prepare, EQC chief resilience & research officer Dr. Jo Horrocks said.

“From knowing how to Drop, Cover and Hold and storing food and water, to larger actions like securing tall and heavy furniture to the wall, or removing hazardous chimney types. We can all do something that will increase our resilience for when an Alpine Fault quake occurs.”

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AF8 science-lead Associate Professor Caroline Orchiston said while we can’t predict when earthquakes will occur, scientific research has shown that the Alpine Fault has a history of generating regular, large earthquakes. 

“The next major Alpine Fault event is likely to occur within the lifetime of most of us, or of our children and young people, for whom it will have major short and long-term impacts,” she said.

The AF8 Roadshow is supported by the six South Island CDEM Groups, EQC, Resilience to Nature’s Challenges, QuakeCoRE, GNS Science, University of Otago, University of Canterbury and the University of Auckland.

PHOTOS: Supplied