Coromandel in 'safe hands' in case of eruption

Falling roofs, fire and loss of electricity are just some things Coromandel residents might have to face in the event of a Mount Ruapehu eruption.

However, Civil Defence reckons the region is in safe hands after a recent emergency planning exercise.

Members of the Thames Valley Emergency Operating Centre participated this week in the Waikato region civil defence exercise designed around a volcanic eruption of Mt Ruapehu.

The eruption resulted in 10 millimetres of ash falling on the Coromandel Peninsula, exacerbated by a period of showers and light rain.

A team made up of Ministry of Social Development, Hauraki District Council, Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and Civil Defence representatives worked together.

They said they successfully dealt with falling roofs, a petrol tanker accident and fire, school closures, loss of electricity, landline, email and cellphone coverage, issues around wastewater and storm water, agriculture, aquaculture and horticulture effects, evacuations and an asthma death.

"We worked together as a team and had to show real innovation to get through but the Coromandel was in safe hands," TCDC group manager support services Pam Howat said.

Other exercises held this year have also included a volcanic eruption in Auckland and an earthquake in the Matamata-Piako District that involved the full evacuation of a school.

Add a Comment