New Zealand advice

The 2016 earthquake in Kaikoura on South Island was reported to be one of the most complex ever recorded on land with wildlife and breeding grounds devastated by landslides at Ohau Point. New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, was also hit but didn’t suffer anywhere near the loss of life experienced by Christchurch in 2011.

Although New Zealand has grown to expect several earthquakes a year rated at magnitude six, larger magnitudes only hit perhaps once or twice a decade. If you happen to be in New Zealand when an earthquake occurs then stay calm and follow the instructions below:

If inside: get under the cover of a table or sturdy piece of furniture. If nothing is close by then crouch in the corner of the room until the shaking has stopped. Stay away from glass or anything heavy that may topple over. Do not use a lift to escape the building even after the shaking has stopped. Always use the stairs when it’s safe to do so.

If outside: move away from any buildings, glass, electricity pylons and telegraph poles. Don’t go inside a building, stay outdoors and stay there until the shaking has stopped.

If trapped: don’t move around and cause dust to become more of a problem than it already might be. Cover your mouth with a piece of light clothing or a handkerchief. Don’t light a naked flame. Try not to shout but bring help to your attention by tapping or knocking on a pipe or anything similar.