Volcanic disaster: are we prepared?

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 299, 11 August 1989, Page 6

Volcanic disaster: are we prepared?

Civil Defence is facing changes with the reform of local government. Palmerston North Civil Defence Commis-

sioner Barrie Sinclair told the Ruapehu District Council's transition committee lasl week that a new civil defence organisation will have to be put in

place before the amalgamation. Meanwhile the Waimarino's Civil Defence Plan is in need of a review but this has been put off until after October. "The plan will have to tide us over till 31 October," District Manager John Murrihy said at the council's last meeting. Mr Sinclair said each present council has its own civil defence organisation but that they will have to be combined and the person responsible for declaring civil emergencies appointed as well as who will control a new

civil defence committee. He said there should now be a representative from each ward to look at these aspects. Mr Sinclair told the committee there was nobody in the district with a capable knowledge of how to handle a volcanic disaster and this concerned him. He added there were consultants on his staff who are available to train council staff on handling such emergencies. He said this district's civil defence headquarters needed upgrading because controlling a

Ruapehu emergency situation would be impossible from Palmerston North. Also needing attention is the area's emergency communications

system. He said two radios, one at Ohakune and one at Taumarunui, capable of reaching Palmerston North would be bought. The district council

will receive a grant of just $2000 for the upgrade work, but Mr Sinclair said more funding for education and equipment would be made available.