Seven-day store of supplies suggested
A 6.3-magnitude quake – one of the nation’s worst-ever natural disasters – has led to nearly 150 confirmed deaths, with scores more trapped under debris and ravaged city infrastructure.
“We do have such a close tie with Christchurch,” said Angrove. “We just can’t imagine what they’re going through down there.”
The men visited New Zealand’s second-largest city last fall with a team of Victoria city engineers, planners and emergency officials, following a September 7.1-magnitude quake that left Christchurch vulnerable.
Watching the city’s recovery process prompted Angrove and Henson to say the crisis should serve as a reminder to Greater Victorians to be prepared with seven days’ worth of supplies on hand.
“Are we going to be so prepared that it’s not going to be a disaster?” Henson asked.
“My answer would be no. It’s going to be a disaster, but we can take significant steps … to lessen the effects that disaster is going to have.”
emccracken@vicnews.com