1931 Earthquake Anniversary Still Has Lessons

The day had been fine, during a spell of dry weather. Children had returned to their first day of school, fathers were at work, mothers were doing their daily housekeeping.

At 10.47 am on 3 February, 1931, the ground suddenly pushed up and swayed. It stopped...but this deceptive pause only lasted for 30 seconds. Then the earth moved again, downward this time, and violently shook and rocked for a terrifyingly long two and a half minutes.

At least 256 people died in the magnitude 7.8 earthquake. It was followed by at least 150 aftershocks over the next 12 hours.

The deadliest earthquake in New Zealand’s history still has lessons on the need for people to prepare for an emergency.

“We cannot predict an earthquake but we can expect an earthquake. It makes sense to use this anniversary to check that we have water and food stored, and have a plan for coping for three days or more,” said Lisa Pearse, civil defence coordinator for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

A permanent exhibition about the earthquake is at Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery in Napier, part-sponsored by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. As well as telling the history of the 1931 earthquake and many of the heart-rending survival stories, it shows the earthquake faults underlying Hawke’s Bay and some of the hazard planning that has taken place.

The 1931 earthquake prompted a number of changes in New Zealand. New construction regulations, a system of earthquake insurance and civil defence strategies were developed as a result of the devastation caused by the earthquake.

In 1932 another strong earthquake centred near Wairoa also shook the region and destroyed the Wairoa Bridge. It terrified a province still in recovery mode. There have been a number of strong earthquakes since. Most recently on 30 November last year at 1.42 in the morning, a 5.1 M earthquake struck near Waipukurau and shook Hawke’s Bay.

“The best way to plan for any natural disaster is to think about your day and what it might mean to have no power, water, sewage or phones, and with supermarkets, petrol stations and roads out of action for a time. If you have children at school, think how you will meet up with them to get them home. In 1931, people learned to make do and help each other out, but it’s much easier if you have planned ahead - you may even be able to help others,” she said.

The basic advice on civil defence emergency preparation can be found inside the cover of the Yellow Pages of your telephone book, or by contacting your local district, city or regional council to ask for check lists. The basic list is -

- Listen to a local radio station for advice and information

- Have a family plan to cope at home plus an evacuation plan

- Water, 3 litres per person, per day, for up to 3 days or more

- Canned, non perishable food

- Torch and radio

- Toilet paper, plastic bags, bucket

- First aid kit and essential medicines

- BBQ or other means of cooking.

On February 14 the Earthquake Survivors’ Afternoon Tea will be held at Napier Boys High School to honour the people who still remember the earthquake and aftermath. This event is being organised by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Napier City Council, Art Deco Trust and the Tennyson with the support of many local businesses.