Other hazards
Earthquakes
Earthquakes occur within the Bundaberg Region more often than you would think. In recent history earthquakes have been located within rural areas of the Bundaberg Region and have not caused damage to property or put lives at risk. It is important for you and your family to be familiar with the dangers associated with earthquakes and what to do should one occur.
Earthquakes are unpredictable and strike without warning. They range in strength from slight tremors to great shocks lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. The magnitude of an earthquake is recorded by a seismograph using the Richter Scale.
Earthquakes can cause:
- Damage to the electricity and telecommunication networks, caused by fallen power lines;
- Broken or split sewer and water mains;
- Damage to roads and bridges that may make them unsafe to drive on;
- Landslides;
- Destruction or damage to buildings making them unstable and unsafe.
For further information visit Get Ready Queensland.
Tsunami
A tsunami is a series of powerful, fast moving waves produced by an earthquake, volcanic eruption, explosion or other ocean disturbance.
Tsunamis can occur with very little warning. In Australia, the joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre detects and verifies any tsunami threat to the coastline of Australia and provides warnings.
Warnings will be relayed via official channels, e.g. Emergency Alert, radio, television, signage, and the Internet.
If you are near the coast and feel an earthquake, move quickly to a safer location at least 10 metres above the highest tide level or one kilometre inland.
See Council’s tsunami inundation map for more information.
Heatwave
A heatwave is a prolonged period of excessive heat (usually over 36°C), often combined with high humidity. This unusual and uncomfortable hot weather can affect human and animal health and cause disruption to community infrastructure such as power supply.
To find out how to prepare for disasters, visit our Get Ready page.