Emergency responders across the South Island will test their readiness for a major earthquake on the Alpine Fault during a day-long exercise next week.
Civil Defence authorities, councils and emergency services are gearing up to take part in the exercise known as Te Ripahapa on May 29.
Exact details of the disaster scenario are being kept secret, but it will involve a response to an Alpine Fault rupture, which would affect every South Island region.
A rupture would be a one-in-500-year event that would produce a devastating earthquake of magnitude 8 or greater, with the West Coat likely to be worst hit.
The next rupture is expected within five decades and could lead to 10,000 casualties, including 1000 deaths.
Canterbury Civil Defence community resilience co-ordinator Jessica Petersen said the 12-hour exercise would start with an earthquake early in the morning.
She said the exercise would draw on research by a Canterbury University doctoral student who looked at the possible impacts of an Alpine Fault rupture on buildings, bridges and infrastructure.
"It will affect everyone in the South Island to a greater or lesser extent," Ms Petersen said.
She reminded people to be prepared for an earthquake with supplies at home and an emergency plan in place.
Otago Civil Defence emergency management co-ordinator Graeme Hall said the exercise would be a thorough test of the people and systems involved in an emergency response.
He said it would be one of the largest exercises conducted in recent times, and would provide an opportunity to apply lessons learned during the two major Canterbury earthquakes.
"A rupture of the Great Alpine Fault would potentially cause widespread damage throughout many parts of the South Island. The onus is not only on the community to be prepared for such events, but also on the Civil Defence authorities."
Other participants will include the Ministry of Social Development and power companies.
