New Zealand is a beautiful and safe country, but it’s also home to natural events like earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding. These don’t happen every day, but it’s important to know what to do, just in case. When these events do happen, you’ll be amazed by how quickly Kiwis lend a hand and support each other.
Earthquakes in NZ – what you need to know
New Zealand is earthquake-prone due to its position on two tectonic plates. Most quakes are small, but stronger ones can happen at any time.
- During a quake, DROP, COVER, HOLD.
- Stay inside if indoors; move to open space if outdoors.
- If you’re near the coast and the shaking is long or strong, evacuate in case of tsunami.
- After a quake, check for injuries, expect aftershocks, follow official updates, and prepare for outages.
Tsunamis – what you need to know
Tsunamis can be caused by large earthquakes under the sea. New Zealand’s long coastline means many areas are at risk, especially after a strong or long earthquake.
Natural warnings include shaking that lasts more than a minute or is too strong to stand, sudden sea level change (water rapidly receding or surging), or strange ocean sounds. Don’t hang around: move to higher ground immediately.
Floods – what you need to know
Heavy rain, storms, or overflowing rivers can cause serious flooding, especially in low-lying or coastal areas. Flash floods can happen quickly and without warning. Know if your area is prone to flooding and keep an emergency kit including important documents ready to grab.
During flooding, move to higher ground, avoid floodwaters, and turn off power if it’s safe to do so.
Afterwards, avoid contaminated water, don’t turn power on without checks, photograph damage for insurance.
Useful contacts
- In New Zealand, the number for emergencies (fire, ambulance, police) is 111
- Download the NZ Civil Defence and MetService apps for alerts.
- Know your workplace or school’s emergency plan.
- For more info check out getready.govt.nz
