An Auckland volcanic scenario

Abstract

This report describes the legislation and responsibilities involved in civil defence. The Civil Defence Act 1983 provides an integration of government agencies into a workable emergency relief unit. All those agencies with civil defence responsibilities are obliged to prepare plans and resources in the anticipation of a disaster.

Civil Defence have not as yet been tested by a major disaster affecting a large proportion of one of New Zealand's cities. This report sets out a rationale for the use of disaster scenarios for Civil Defence. Disaster scenarios provide the means by which civil Defence can test the effectiveness of their plans and resources. The report explores reasons why scenarios are important. It is during exercises that major organisations within New Zealand have addressed their preparedness and planning responses. A disaster scenario exercise provides a way to increase the public’s awareness of volcanic hazards. As well the scenario provides the opportunity to expose the public to the right information on the hazard and their expected response to such an event.

A volcanic eruption in Auckland is inevitable sometime in the future. It will have a devastating impact on the normal functioning of Auckland city. It will also have a major economic impact on the rest of New Zealand. This report describes a synopsis of a possible Auckland volcanic eruption. This is to be utilised by Northern Zone Civil Defence to ensure that they can cope with a disaster of this magnitude.