Wairau/ Awatere Resource Management Plan A large earthquake in the region has the potential to affect more damage in the region than any other natural hazard. However, the potential damage and danger to life posed by seismic hazard is difficult to quantify because it involves many factors, including earthquake magnitude, focal depth, distance from population centres or engineered structures, the response of soils and slopes to shaking and the variable condition on quality of design among many classes of building and public utility networks. The extent of earthquake awareness and preparedness within the wider community, and especially amongst those tasked with emergency response, is a critical factor in mitigating the effects of earthquakes in Marlborough. These studies provide the basis of strategies for the rapid re-establishment of essential service following a disaster. 17.6.3 Methods of Implementation Rules Rules will be used to maintain a relatively low density of development in earthquake risk areas. Rules will discourage development in areas proven to be a liquefaction risk. Council The Council will initiate a study to ensure the community can Activities recover quickly from the aftermath of a major event. Information The Council will in conjunction with Emergency Response provide information on all aspects relating to earthquake survival through to strategies for coping with the aftermath. Emergency Maintain an active response programme in association with Response Emergency Response. As expressed previously, the scale of an emergency response to an earthquake affecting all or part of the Wairau/Awatere will depend on the size and location of the event and the nature of site response in populated areas. The extent of earthquake awareness and preparedness within the wider community is a critical factor in mitigating the effects of earthquakes. 17.7 Anticipated Environmental Results Implementation of the policies and methods for management relating to natural hazards will result in: • Future use and development of the resources of the Wairau/ Awatere that occurs in sympathy with the natural processes operating in the area and risk from natural hazards being minimised; • Provision of information defining the risk to all sites from known natural hazards; and • Implementation of emergency response procedures which avoid loss of life and mitigate damage to property and infrastructures prior to events. 17 - 14