Award-winning AF8 Roadshow coming to Balclutha

While we can’t predict when earthquakes will occur, scientific research indicates there is a 75% probability of an alpine fault earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, and there is a 4 out of 5 chance that it will be a magnitude 8+ event.

To help raise awareness of the risk and encourage people to prepare, the AF8 Roadshow will be in Balclutha this month. AF8 is a partnership between leading earthquake scientists and Emergency Management groups.

Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan says “The alpine fault is a significant risk to our district, including multiple challenges posed by the Clutha River, and it will only be through forward planning and preparation that we can mitigate the threats. I urge everyone to take this opportunity to understand what a large-scale quake on the alpine fault will mean to us.”

Brought to the Clutha District by Emergency Management Otago and AF8, the AF8 Roadshow aims to share the Alpine Fault hazard science with communities to improve understanding of the hazard risk and enable conversations on how to be better prepared.

A free community science talk will be held in Balclutha on Thursday 18 May at the Balclutha Town and Country Club from 5.30pm. This is open to the public.

Earlier in the day, the roadshow will visit South Otago High School where pupils will get the opportunity to learn about the science beneath their feet.

Toka Tū Ake EQC Chief Resilience & Research Officer Dr. Jo Horrocks says recent weather events have shown how important it is we be prepared for different natural hazards.

“Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent storms have shown how much our lives can be turned upside down by natural hazards. A significant event on the Alpine Fault has the potential to impact the entire South Island and beyond, so it’s so important that we’re well-informed and doing all we can to build our resilience now."

Associate Prof. Caroline Orchiston, the AF8 Science-lead, stated, "We can't predict when earthquakes will occur, but 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 our lifetime, and we must take steps now to prepare."