On this day: Hawke's Bay earthquake 1931

Yesterday marked the 82nd anniversary of the Hawke’s Bay earthquake (more commonly referred to as “the Napier earthquake”).

It was New Zealand’s deadliest natural disaster.

• The quake struck at 10:47am on Tuesday 3 February 1931, killing 256 people and devastating the Hawke's Bay region.
• It lasted for two and-a-half minutes and measured magnitude 7.8.
• A further 525 aftershocks were recorded in the following two weeks.

Nearly all buildings in the central areas of Napier and Hastings were levelled. The Dominion newspaper noted that “Napier as a town has been wiped off the map.” 

Photo: Collection of Hawke's Bay Museums Trust, Ruawharo Tā-ū-rangi.

The rebuild

Two years later, a new Napier rose out of the devastation. The rebuild cost for the town with a population, at the time, of 18,000, was estimated at around £3.5million (about $168 million today).

Benefits from the rebuild included:

• The population boomed as people came to the area for work.
• The building sector increased as a result of the reconstruction.
• Factory wages rose, as did productivity.
• Streets were widened, and power and phone lines were put underground.
• Plans to build a more pleasing-looking town, in the art deco style, were enthusiastically embraced.

Be prepared

Unlike most natural disasters, there is usually no warning when an earthquake strikes.

Earthquakes can cause significant damage and disrupt essential services and utilities.

If you live along a fault line, there are a few things you should do to be prepared for an emergency.

• Have a meeting place set up with your family.
• Take the time to explain to your children what an earthquake is and what they should do if one occurs.
• Have emergency supplies available at all times: canned food, a can opener and fresh water are essential.
• Don't forget to have a stocked first aid kit and medications.
• You should also have a battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries and blankets.

Learn more in Be Prepared.