Event type: Legal Interest

9 January 2025

Whakaari (White Island) Volcanic Eruption

The eruption of Whakaari (White Island) on 9th December 2019 led to multiple fatalities from tour groups visiting the volcano. The owners of the island, and the Institute of Geological Nuclear Sciences were both prosecuted by WorkSafe New Zealand.

From a natural hazard perspective, the outcomes provide a case study of interpretation for management of risk “in so far as reasonably practicable”  (SFARP) and for learnings on risk culture, systems, and monitoring.

Key findings were the lack of follow up from past safety recommendations, and the lack of a ‘what if?’ after the 2016 night-time eruption.

The snapshot of learnings below come from the written judgments and there are over 20 learnings that may apply to broader management of natural hazard risk.

Whakaari EruptionDownload

4 December 2024

Cyclone Marcia – February 2015

Cyclone Marcia (Marcia) formed on 18th February 2015 and intensified rapidly, crossing the coast near Shoalwater Bay, Qld. as a rare Category 5 cyclone. (USA Cat.4). Marcia remained a category 3 far inland on 20th February and after several hours of heavy rainfall, intensities increased with around 250mm of rain in 3 hours over the western slopes of the Calliope Range (Official report).

Multiple record flood height were observed along Bell, Callide, Grevillea, and Kroombit Creeks. Callide (Gated) and Kroombit Dams both observed floods of record with erosion to the toe of Kroombit Dam with 10000-year levels level observed. Environmental monitoring equipment was damaged with one gauging station and building (Stepanoffs) never located.

There was significant flood impacts to residential areas and infrastructure throughout Callide Valley.

Cyclone_MarciaDownload