Kiwis at medium risk of death from natural disaster: UN

THE harzardous geology of New Zealand does not make it a highly dangerous country in which to live according to a new report from the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).

The Mortality Risk Index (MRI) report is the product of a massive database which underpins the Global Assessment Report: Risk and Poverty in a Changing Climate, a landmark document launched in Bahrain last month by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The index lists some 200 countries and territories within ten sudden onset risk categories, ranging from extreme (six territories) through to negligible (11). The categories with the highest number of entries are 'medium' and 'medium low' with a combined total of 118 – more than half the listing.

"There literally are no countries in the world that are not potentially affected by hazards," UNISDR chief Margareta Wahlstrom told a news conference.

New Zealand, straddling the Pacific ring of fire and centred on one of the world's potentially most explosive volcanoes (Lake Taupo), rates a five on the index giving Kiwis a medium rating for death from sudden onset natural disaster.

This puts NZ alongside countries like Liberia, Malawi and Panama in terms of risk per capita.

The United Kindom in contrast rates a low risk of two, while territories topping the scale are: Colombia, Comoros, Dominica, Guatemala, Myanmar and Vanuatu, all at eight.

Comments

[Domestic Executive]

I haven't felt an earthquake for ages - in fact when I think about it, hardly at all since we moved to Kaitoke. Living in Khandallah was a regular roller coaster of tremours and shakes. Working in Bowen State gave me seasickness when there was an earthquake. Hope you have your emergency plan and pack prepared!

[William Knight]

We do have a pack prepared. It's in the shed being munched by mice. But at least there's enough water to take a couple of baths. It gets very dusty after an earthquake.

But, we're thinking we'll probably need to use up all the Emergency food for the long Swine flu isolation that is nearly upon us.