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Last reviewed: Mon, 08 Aug 2011

Natural hazards

Hazardous natural events will happen - there’s not much we can do about that. What we can do is prepare for such events so that we reduce their impact.

A picture of the sea inundating the foreshore.

Natural hazards are defined as, “any atmospheric or earth or water related occurrence… that can adversely affect or may adversely affect human life, property or other aspects of the environment” (Resource Management Act, 1991). Natural hazards include meteorological events, flooding, coastal, slope, or seismic hazards.

Risk management is undertaken to assess the level of risk that a natural hazard poses, and its potential impact on the environment, human lives and property. Mitigation measures are undertaken to reduce impacts, or other measures may be undertaken to prepare people for the consequences of a natural hazard event. Environment Canterbury is responsible for the management of natural hazards in Canterbury. This management includes the monitoring of natural hazards and carrying out measures to avoid or reduce their impact.

Earthquakes

Landslip, Storm and Flood

Temperature

Rainfall

Drought

Rural Wild Fires

Frosts

Preparedness for Natural Hazards

Council response

 

Authorising Unit: Strategy Support

Last reviewed: Monday, August 08, 2011

Next review: Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Keywords: natural

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