The earth moved for us... 30cm, to be exact

Did the earth move for you last year?
It certainly did? although you probably didn't notice ? except on the odd occasion!
While residents of the Manawatu-Wanganui region would have felt the occasional earthquake over the past year and a-half, there has been a lot more activity quietly going on under the surface, according to the latest issue of Ru Whenua, the Earthquake Commission newsletter.
It records a "silent" earthquake beneath Manawatu and Wanganui that lasted from January 2004 to June 2005.
From information gathered at recording sites near Ashhurst, Wanganui and Dannevirke, scientists at the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences have calculated that the Manawatu-Wanganui region slipped about 30 centimetres during that 18-month period.
If that movement had occurred in a few seconds the result would have been a potentially catastrophic magnitude seven earthquake.
Manawatu-Wanganui Region emergency management officer Mark Harrison, said that highlights the need for all residents of the Manawatu-Wanganui region to be prepared for any emergency event.
"This is a timely reminder that we live in a very hazardous region of New Zealand," he said.
"We are susceptible to storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions ? you name it, we are at risk from all hazards facing New Zealand. So people in our region need to know that events can occur at any time and without warning ? they must be prepared now for what might happen," Mr Harrison said.
He suggested it was not too late for residents to pursue a practical and achievable New Year's resolution and go out and get the things they need to be prepared for any disaster.
"It's a New Year's resolution that could save your life or that of someone close to you," he said.
Advice on how to prepare for a disaster is in the Yellow Pages of the phone book on Horizons Regional Council's web site. ? www.horizons.govt.nz