Exploring Natural Disasters in Virtual Reality: A New Approach to Disaster Preparedness

by Annabelle Stephenson
in *AR, *FR, Action, News, xCS
on 28 January 2024

Doświadcz zagrożenia tsunami i trzęsień ziemi w wirtualnej rzeczywistości

Imagine standing on the coastline, feeling the ground shake beneath your feet and listening to the roar of an impending tsunami. While this may sound like a scene from a Hollywood disaster movie, the residents of Bay of Plenty in New Zealand have the opportunity to experience these events in a whole new way. Tauranga City Council has introduced virtual reality simulations of earthquakes and tsunamis to raise awareness and promote disaster preparedness among its residents.

Using virtual reality headsets, users are transported to the picturesque Mount Maunganui beachfront. They then go through a ten-minute simulation of a small earthquake followed by a more severe tremor. During the simulation, they are required to make decisions on how to respond to the impending threat. Isaac Orchard, a resilience advisor at Tauranga City Council, describes the experience as engaging and eye-opening.

Instead of using direct quotes, the users’ overwhelming reaction to the simulations can be summarized as a profound realization of the potential impact of earthquakes and tsunamis in their local area. This allows them to develop a deeper understanding of the need for preparedness and motivates them to take action.

This innovative approach to disaster preparedness is the first of its kind in New Zealand. Orchard explains that the idea stemmed from the increased interest in emergency preparedness following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011, where virtual reality technology was utilized. It was discovered that young people, in particular, are more receptive to these types of experiences compared to adults.

Interestingly, Tauranga City Council addressed the reluctance of adults to engage with the technology by providing multiple headsets, enabling families to experience the simulations together. This approach ensures that even those who are initially hesitant or unfamiliar with virtual reality have the opportunity to participate and benefit from the experience.

In addition to the virtual reality simulations, other measures have been taken to inform and educate residents about the risks associated with tsunamis. Liz Oliver, a senior crisis management advisor at the council, highlights the importance of updated evacuation maps that indicate high-risk areas based on the probability of a tsunami occurring within a 2,500-year period. These maps serve as a reminder that every coastal area in New Zealand carries a certain level of risk.

The updated evacuation maps also provide information on safe zones to seek refuge in the event of a tsunami. If an evacuation is necessary, residents are advised to move quickly to these designated areas or to leave the blue evacuation zone altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What does Tauranga City Council offer to the residents of Bay of Plenty?
Tauranga City Council offers residents the opportunity to experience virtual earthquakes and tsunamis through virtual reality simulations.

2. How do the earthquake and tsunami simulations work?
Users utilizing virtual reality headsets will see a computer-generated version of Mount Maunganui beachfront. They then go through a ten-minute simulation of a small and severe earthquake, during which they make decisions on how to respond to the threat.

3. How do people react to the simulations?
People often react with surprise and astonishment, as they realize the potential impact of earthquakes and tsunamis on their local area.

4. What is the application of virtual reality in disaster preparedness?
By experiencing virtual reality simulations, residents can increase their awareness of the need for disaster preparedness.

5. When did virtual reality technology start being used for disaster preparedness in New Zealand?
Virtual reality technology started being used in New Zealand after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011, where an increased interest in emergency preparedness was observed.

6. How does Tauranga City Council address the reluctance of adults to engage with the technology?
Tauranga City Council addresses the reluctance of adults by providing multiple headsets, allowing families to experience virtual reality simulations together.

7. Are there maps indicating tsunami-prone areas in Bay of Plenty?
Yes, there are maps indicating areas at risk of tsunamis, based on the probability of their occurrence within a 2,500-year period.

8. What actions should be taken in the event of a tsunami threat?
In the event of a tsunami threat, individuals should walk, run, or cycle to safe zones or evacuate the blue evacuation zone.

Glossary:

1. Tauranga City Council – The governing body of Tauranga City.
2. Bay of Plenty – A region in New Zealand located on the eastern coast of the North Island.
3. Earthquake – A shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.
4. Tsunami – A series of waves generated on the ocean surface by an underwater earthquake, volcanic eruption, or other seismic disturbance.
5. Virtual Reality – A technology that allows users to interact with a computer-generated environment, simulating a real-world experience.
6. Evacuation – The act of leaving a specific area due to a threat or natural disaster.