Objectives

Why develop RiskScape?

The main goal is to develop and implement a decision-support tool that readily compares the likely consequences of multiple hazards on a region.

By quantifying the consequences across the same portfolio of communities and associated assets (buildings and infrastructure), RiskScape conveniently provides information to prioritize risk-reduction measures and a more informed response as an event unfolds.

A range of consequences (or risk) can be quantified, such as direct damage and replacement costs, casualties, number of people that may need evacuation or medical assistance and indirect effects such as disruption on transport and tourism. These impacts and losses can then be compared across several hazards.

The Regional RiskScape system is being developed so it is flexible enough to operate across an internet or intranet link or as a stand-alone station basis. although a web based system will usually be running in parallel.

RiskScape assists with

  • Risk management
  • Land use planning 
  • Building codes and design
  • Risk identification
  • Prioritizing risk-reduction and mitigation measures
  • Determining the best use of risk-reduction investment
  • Evacuation & contingency planning
  • Awareness raising
  • Public information
  • Realistic scenarios for exercises
  • Hazard event response

It does this by:

  • Identifying areas at risk
  • Providing information on hazard intensity
  • Quantifying impacts
  • Comparing risks posed by different hazards

What makes RiskScape unique?

  • It combines losses from multiple hazards
  • Asset combination - any hazard can be combined with any asset
  • Development with open source software - no expensive licence arrangements needed
  • Stand-alone & network modus - operational during crisis
  • Basic GIS functionality - Import/Export function to use with your existing GIS software
  • Easy-to-use add-on modules such as fragility builder or asset and hazard importer
  • End-user customization

Pilot locations

Initially, RiskScape is being developed and trialled in three locations by way of pilot studies. The three areas, with differing populations and hazard/risk profiles are:

  • Christchurch: With just over 350,000 inhabitants, it is the second largest city in New Zealand and is exposed to a range of hazards (apart from volcanic ashfall).
  • Napier, Hastings and Havelock is an amalgam of rural and urban centres in Hawkes Bay with around 105,000 people. The region faces a varied array of most natural hazards.
  • Westport is one of three major towns on the South Island’s West Coast with a population of about 3,800. The town is on the banks of the Buller River, which poses a major flood risk, along with an Alpine Fault earthquake.

Pilot areas

 Pilot locations.

 

Natural hazards covered

Initially, RiskScape is focused on five of the major natural hazards (perils) that can affect New Zealand.

  • River floods
  • Earthquakes
  • Volcano eruptions (ashfall)
  • Tsunami (local, regional and remote sources)
  • Wind storms

The RiskScape system is generically capable of including other hazards e.g. snowfall, landslides, sea inundation. In phase II (2008-2016) of the project the list of hazards will be extended with

  • Snow
  • Landslides (both rainfall and earthquake triggered)
  • Storm surges
  • Pyroclastic flows and lahars
  • Climate change effects