Team granted funding to plan response for Alpine Fault megaquakeStuff.co.nzA megaquake along the Alpine Fault with the potential to "unzip" the South Island happens roughly every 300 years - the last one was in 1717. READ MORE:* Alpine Fault moves more than any other known land fault in the world* Scientists digging into new part of South Island's Alpine Fault* Alpine Fault earthquake could isolate West Coast for six weeksAlthough the last Alpine Fault rupture happened 299 years ago, a similar event could still be 50 years away, Langridge said. The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has granted them $490,000 to create a high-level response plan within two years. So when the Alpine Fault goes, the whole South Island won't split apart, but it will displace roads and fences." Refugees from Canterbury needed housing, jobs and medical support, and the demand would be greater when the Alpine Fault ruptured, he said.

Source: Stuff July 27, 2016 05:32 UTC