CAMPBELL RIVER – The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) in partnership with the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations and Nuchatlaht First Nation are funding high-resolution tsunami modelling for the northwest coast of Vancouver Island from Yuquot / Muchalaht Inlet to Cape Scott Provincial Park. The contract for the project was awarded earlier this week at the Regional Board meeting to Northwest Hydraulics Consultants in partnership with Ocean Networks Canada.
Michele Babchuk
Currently there are no high-resolution, data-based models for many sites on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island that are considered highly vulnerable to the effects of tsunami events. From an emergency planning and impact assessment perspective, the lack of relevant data limits the ability of public and private entities to adequately plan and prepare for such events.
“The SRD is pleased to receive the 2020 Flood Risk Assessment, Flood Mapping and Flood Mitigation Planning funding stream under the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund” says SRD Board Chair Michele Babchuk.
“High resolution modelling is essential for the accurate understanding of tsunami risk as well as community planning in our Region”.
This project aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Its mandate is to ensure the use of traditional, Indigenous and local knowledge and practices, as appropriate. This will complement scientific knowledge in disaster risk assessment, development and implementation of policies, strategies, plans and programs which should be tailored to localities and to the context. This project involves five First Nations, four municipalities and two Regional Districts.
“Community input, Indigenous knowledge and tsunami modelling will be combined through a three-step risk assessment process” says SRD Protective Services Coordinator Shaun Koopman. “Each community in the project area will receive detailed scaled tsunami inundation maps, a tsunami vulnerability analysis, evacuation procedure recommendations, suggested tsunami mitigation measures, and community-specific public education materials.”
The Tsunami Modelling project is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2021. Upon completion, the SRD will be provided with a digital GIS (Geographic Information System) layer that will be available for public viewing.
To learn more about Strathcona Regional District’s Emergency Management please visit www.srd.ca/emergency-management