New Zealand Tsunami Threat Remains Unchanged - NZ Civil Defence

#ChileQuake National Warning: Tsunami Threat to NZ Update 9

05.23HRSNZDT
28 Feb2010

Threat assesment remains unchanged

A tsunami was generated from the 8.8magnitude quake in Chile. A wave measuring 2.34 metres was measured in Talcahuano, Chile.

The first wave to arrive in New Zealand will be in the areas around Chatham Islands (Waitangi) at approximately 0705 NZDT, Sunday 28 February 2010. The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. Strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours.

Scientific advice is that a marine threat (i.e. threat to beach and small boats corresponding to wave heights less than 1 metre) exists for the entire east coasts of the North and South Islands from Puysegur around to Cape Reinga and extending south to Ahipara. Some land threat also exists with expected wave heights between 1 and 3 metres for the Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula. There may be some observable sea level changes on parts of the west coast of both the North and South Islands.

Wave height refers to maximum water level relevant to the normal sea level at the beach. This does not take tides into account. Based on historical events it is expected that the greatest wave heights will occur between 6 and 12 hours after the initial arrivals.

The National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington has been activated. The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation.

People in coastal areas should:

- Stay off beaches
- Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
- Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
- Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities

Please do not go sightseeing

Please DO NOT call 111 for tsunami updates. Updates will be posted on the NZ Civil Defence website. Local and regional information is available from city, district and regional councils.

Civil defence advice on what to do to be better prepared for tsunami

NZ Civil Defence