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Managing our Environment

Natural Hazards

Natural hazards are events such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides, which potentially damage property and threaten human life.

Information on identified natural hazards is available in our Natural Hazards Database, an interactive tool which allows you to view the hazard data we hold. 

We assess the extent and significance of natural hazards in the Otago region, including those which occur relatively frequently (such as flooding) and those that are rare, such as tsunami or earthquakes. We also work in communities to increase awareness of natural hazards, so they can reduce the level of risk they face. 

We also assist Otago’s district and city councils with the management of natural hazards in their areas through collaborative projects and district planning.  

Flooding

We identify areas at risk of flooding from rivers and lakes around Otago. Read more

Extreme Weather

Otago's weather spans the spectrum from hot dry summers to long, cold winters. These extremes can present challenges to those of us who live here. Read more

Coastal Erosion

Coastal erosion is the wearing away of land and beach sediments by waves, tidal currents, drainage or high winds. Read more

Storm Surge

A storm surge is a higher than normal sea level, due to changes in barometric pressures and wind, which can result in inundation of roads and coastal property over an extended period. Read more

Tsunami

A tsunami is a series of waves caused when a large mass of earth on the bottom of the ocean drops or rises, rapidly displacing the water above it. Read more

Earthquakes

Earthquakes occurring both within Otago and beyond its boundary can affect people and property within the region. Read more

Landslides

The term landslide describes a wide range of ground movements, such as rockfalls, deep failure of slopes, and shallow debris flows. We hold information on known landslides in the region. Read more

Alluvial Fans

An alluvial fan is a build up of river or stream sediments which form a sloping landform, shaped like an open fan or a segment of a cone. Flooding on alluvial fans can be damaging as the fans have steeper gradients than river floodplains. Read more

Otago Natural Hazards Database

Our hazards database is intended to improve public access to hazard information and to help the public, local authorities, and others make informed decisions about their exposure to natural hazards. Read more

 

By area

 

South Dunedin

South Dunedin is an important part of Dunedin City. It’s a vibrant and diverse community that tens of thousands call home. Otago Regional Council has been collecting and analysing information about the natural hazards faced by South Dunedin. Read more

Head of Lake Whakatipu

The landscape at the head of Lake Whakatipu is made up of the mountains, streams, floodplains and large rivers feeding into the lake – this magnificent natural setting makes the area an attractive place to live in or visit. However, it also means that this area is inherently exposed to natural hazard risks. Read more

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