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The Earthquake Commission EQC

EQC is the main provider of natural disaster insurance to home owners in New Zealand. New Zealand is very geologically active so is at risk of natural disasters. Everyone can prepare for natural disasters to reduce damage.

Earthquakes happen every day in New Zealand. Most are too small to feel, but between 150 and 200 are big enough to be felt each year. The Canterbury earthquakes and 2013 Cook Strait earthquakes have shown that large earthquakes can happen at any time.

Parts of New Zealand are also at risk from active volcanoes, landslides and tsunami. All New Zealanders need to be ready for natural disasters so the loss will be less.

EQC Insurance

EQC provides insurance to cover for loss or damage from the following natural disasters;

  • earthquake
  • natural landslip
  • volcanic eruption
  • hydrothermal activity
  • tsunami

EQC not only provides insurance. EQC also works on research and teaches people how to prepare for natural disasters. 

EQC funds and supports Geonet which monitors earthquake activity all over the country. EQC studies natural disasters to learn from them. EQC also looks at ways of reducing the impacts of natural disasters and stopping disasters such as landslides.

EQC’s public teaching programme tells people living in New Zealand how to stop and reduce damage caused by natural disasters; you may have seen the television advertisements about reducing earthquake damage. This includes explaining how to make homes 'quake safe' and how to reduce the chance of damage from events such as volcanic eruptions and landslides.

 

EQC is the main provider of natural disaster insurance to home owners. How do you think this house was damaged? Image: David Whethey. 

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EQC is also working on research programmes and education to reduce loss during natural disasters. Can you explain in your own words what the main message of this advertisement is? Image: EQC.

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Most parts of New Zealand are prone to earthquakes. How could you make your home more earthquake proof? Image: LEARNZ.

Visit the EQC website to find out more about how to prepare for and reduce loss from natural disasters.