We all know that natural disasters can strike without warning, leaving communities vulnerable. In Tauranga, New Zealand, the threat of tsunamis and earthquakes is a serious concern. The Bay of Plenty region, which ranks third in New Zealand for tsunami risk, is particularly vulnerable due to its growing population and low-lying coastal areas. In the event of a tsunami, evacuation routes could become gridlocked within minutes, putting thousands of lives at risk.

With the region's population swelling in summer months, the potential for disaster is compounded, as studies show that a significant portion of residents may struggle to evacuate quickly due to inadequate infrastructure. To address this, the Tauranga City Council (TCC) is using extended reality (XR), to change mindsets and enhance community preparedness.

Tauranga’s coastal geography puts it at high risk for natural disasters, with historical records showing significant tsunamis have occurred in the past. Despite this awareness, many residents are unprepared, and reliance on formal warning systems often leads to a dangerous mindset. With around 35,000 people potentially needing to evacuate, it’s crucial to change how the community thinks about disaster response.

Many residents underestimate the need for quick self-evacuation during emergencies. Tsunamis can reach the New Zealand coastline within 45-55 minutes. The key message is clear: “If the quake is long or strong, get gone.”

Disaster Awareness and Preparedness Training: Tauranga City Council Emergency Response and Skills^VR

This Natural Disaster Preparedness Module equips learners with essential knowledge and actions to take during Earthquakes and Tsunamis. This module immerses learners in scenarios where they observe the effects of high-magnitude earthquakes and 9-meter tsunamis, learning crucial steps to minimize risk and ensure safety. By the end of the experience, learners are able to describe the impact of these natural disasters and recall simple, actionable steps to take before, during, and after an earthquake or tsunami to reduce the risk of serious injury.

Positive Outcomes

Since its launch, this training has reached thousands of community members. Some of the feedback shows that:

• 67% of participants now know more about actions to take during a tsunami.
• 70% feel better prepared for earthquakes.

https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/community/civil-defence/tsunami/tsunami-awareness-programme

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