Mock exercise to test response to volcanic ash event

Taupo District will be the lead agency in a regional civil defence mock exercise on Tuesday 21 October

Taupo’s Emergency Manager Phil Parker says “although the exact details are still under wraps, we do know the scenario is set around a mock eruption which causes a large cloud of volcanic ash to form and drift in a northerly direction over Taupo on its way through South Waikato and onwards to the Waikato / Bay of Plenty.”

Mr Parker says Emergency Services throughout the Waikato region will be involved in the exercise including the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services as well as many other agencies like welfare and public health etc. “This exercise is particularly useful for our District as a volcanic ash event is something that could well happen in Taupo District and practising our response is the best way to prepare for a real event and ensure we can react quickly and co-ordinate our response.’ He said.

Mr Parker says some of the key concerns for a real event like this is the havoc that ash can cause on our roads, to our power and telephone lines and also to our water supply “ash is very heavy, much heavier than snow and when it gets wet is really hard to shift. Keeping roads clear can be difficult and the weight of wet ash can also collapse power and phone lines. Dry ash is no better as it can get into mechanical parts and cause them to fail. Ash is also quite corrosive.”

He says ash fall could also cause major problems to power generators which could be very serious for our rural communities “for example, farmers could lose power and ash could cause their generators to break down which would make milking large herds impossible, causing all sorts of problems.”

VOLCANIC ASH FALL

What to do in the event of heavy ash fall.

Buildings

In the early stages, close houses, turn off air conditioners etc to keep ash out.

Ash is very heavy – much heavier than snow especially when it is wet. If the ash is wet it will need to be cleared as soon as possible. A key tip is to clean from the top down.

Ash can also be corrosive – so it needs to be washed completely off houses, cars etc. Ash however, is so thick and heavy in substance it will clot in drains and can block wells and it is hard to shift.

Health

Masks should be worn at when you are outside at all times. Children should not play outside to limit the inhalation of ash.

People with breathing difficulties/respiratory problems should take extra care or possibly stay indoors. If possible it maybe better to leave the district if breathing is too difficult.
Goggles and glasses can prevent irritation and damage to eyes; it is also wise to cover up your skin to prevent irritations.

Roads

Roads should be closed for cleaning and traffic limited if necessary. Advise people to travel only if essential.

Ash can cause problems on roads. Roads will become slippery and mucky of the ash is wet and in some cases there maybe limited to no visibility.

A disposal site should be identified and ash removed to reduce it being stirred up again if left on the side of roads.

Vehicles

Ash will get into car parts – engines, air conditioning and cause serious damage to the point of the engine seizing. Make sure filters and oil are change regularly.
Ash will affect airports which may lead to them being closed. Planes and helicopters need to be protected. Flying through ash can seriously damage aircraft.
Water

Water quality will be affected. All water will need to be boiled and a boil water notice should be put in place. Water filters, pumps and other equipment need to be regularly checked and changed or cleaned to prevent the engines seizing.
Water supply intakes may need to be closed in extreme circumstances. Roof water feed pipes will need to be disconnected, and farm troughs replenished with clean water.
Wastewater infrastructure can be damaged by ash and grit getting into the system. Cover manholes and drains when cleaning off ash to prevent entry into wastewater systems.