Quick Dips

Under the Volcano

Taranaki is one of the few regions in the world prepared for a volcanic emergency, thanks to the proactive teamwork of two universities, a scientific institute and a regional council. The Volcanic Contingency Plan is based on the Taranaki Volcanic Hazard Map developed by Dr Brent Alloway, a senior lecturer in geology at the University of Auckland, and Associate-Professor Vince Neall at Massey University.

The contingency plan recognises that the volcano is likely to erupt in the future and that, if it does, the necessary structures need to be in place to minimise loss of life and livelihood. The regional council has established a seismic monitoring network around the volcano, which provides a continuous record of seismic movement within the mountain and will provide early warning of an activity developing inside.

The volcanic hazard map, based on 10 years of research conducted by Alloway in and around Taranaki, delineates the different risk zones, which indicate the order of priority for evacuation should an eruption be imminent. Its recent launch was accompanied by in-service training for schools and public seminars. The contingency outline has been distributed to all households, and the procedures for specific zones will be explained to householders individually.

"This is the first contingency plan for volcanic hazards in the country," says Alloway. It has been developed in response to the requirements of the Resource Management Act of 1991 which requires regional and territorial authorities to adopt effective means for mitigating the effects of natural hazards. He sees it as being quite farsighted in its approach, and way ahead of the field in its clear, concise view of the issues involved.

"This is a case where there has been extremely good interfacing between science and the territorial authorities. For me it has been a delight to be able to contribute actively and to demonstrate the high degree of relevance of our work at the university for the general public and the public interest," he adds.