SCIENTISTS and experts rush to find a way to avoid an unprecedented disaster brought by New Zealand’s Hikurangi subduction zone.
Based on scientific predictions, New Zealand’s largest and most active fault can cause severe earthquakes and tsunamis once triggered.
This worst-case scenario could result in loss of lives and property.
Scientists and disaster management experts recently convened to discuss the potential impacts of such an event.
Experts focused on a scenario involving a 9.1 magnitude earthquake followed by a tsunami once the fault is activated.
The active subduction zone extends off the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, where the Pacific and Australian plates collide.
This means the country sits on a collision boundary between two huge tectonic plates.
Scientists from 16 countries have been studying the Hikurangi subduction zone for the past five years, warning that a magnitude 8 earthquake or higher is likely in the next 50 years.
However, some experts warned the threat of severe earthquakes and tsunamis could take place anytime, even the next day, once the fault is triggered.
