A geospatial assessment of critical infrastructure impacts and adaptations in small rural towns following the 14 November 2016 (Kaikōura) earthquake, New Zealand

Abstract

Geographically remote, small rural towns typically rely on multiple critical infrastructure networks with limited redundancies. Using the 14 November 2016 Kaikōura earthquake as a case study, researchers explored critical infrastructure challenges and impacts, service disruptions, and community adaptations in the small rural town of Waiau in North Canterbury. Records of impacts and adaptations were combined with hazard information and emergency management activities to produce a preliminary geospatial timeline of events following the Kaikōura earthquake. This paper presents the findings and suggests future applications for Geospatial Information Systems in reducing disaster risk in small towns.