Civil Defence Advice on the Tsunami in New Zealand

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International Tsunami Information Centre (ITIC)
Other Tsunami Links
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center


#ChileQuake National Advisory:Tsunami Threat to NZ Update 22

17:55HRS NZDT 28 Feb 2010

Monitored tidal gauges continue to show wave action of up to 1 metre on the east coast of the North and South Islands and at the Chatham Islands. There is no indication of any decrease in wave amplitude.

Scientific advice is that there is still a likelihood of surges and rapid sea level changes over the 24 hours after the initial wave arrivals. Wave heights could be larger than what we have currently experienced but within the threat levels and wave height estimates that have been previously forecast. The Ministry of Civil Defence& Emergency Management will keep the advisory in place overnight and will review this at 0800 hours on Monday 1 March 2010.

Strong currents could still be expected in harbours and restricted waterways. The Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula could still expect wave heights of between 1 and 3 metres. The risks to people in boats and on beaches for coastal communities in the east coast of the North and South Island and particularly Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula remains.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying a local threat assessment.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are continuing to review the situation and will discuss the situation at 0800 hours tomorrow to determine when a cancellation can be issued. The NCMC will stand down at 1800 hours and the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management will revert to Duty arrangements overnight. The NCMC will reopen at 0730 hours on Monday 1 March 2010.

This advisory has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.


#ChileQuake National Advisory:Tsunami Threat to NZ Update 21

17:15HRS NZDT 28 Feb 2010

Monitored tidal gauges continue to show wave action of up to 1 metre on the east coast of the North and South Islands and at the Chatham Islands. There is no indication of any decrease in wave amplitude.

Scientific advice is that there is still a likelihood of surges and rapid sea level changes over the 24 hours after the initial wave arrivals. Wave heights could be larger than what we have currently experienced but within the threat levels and wave height estimates that have been previously forecast. The Ministry of Civil Defence& Emergency Management will keep the advisory in place overnight and will review this at 0800 hours on Monday 1 March 2010.

Strong currents could still be expected in harbours and restricted waterways. The Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula could still expect wave heights of between 1 and 3 metres. The risks to people in boats and on beaches for coastal communities in the east coast of the North and South Island and particularly Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula remains.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying a local threat assessment.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

This advisory has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.


#ChileQuake National Warning:Tsunami Threat to NZ Update 20

15:00HRS NZDT 28 Feb 2010

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Cancellation in response to the above earthquake. However, based on scientific advice, the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management has downgraded the national warning to an advisory.

There is still a likelihood of surges and rapid sea level changes to continue for up to 24 hours after the initial wave arrivals. Wave heights could be larger than what we have currently experienced but within the threat levels and wave height estimates that have been previously forecast.

Strong currents are expected in harbours and restricted waterways. The Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula could still expect wave heights of between 1 and 3 metres. This represents risks to people in boats and on beaches for coastal communities in the east coast of the North and South Island and particularly Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are continuing to review the situation to determine when a cancellation can be issued.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying a local threat assessment.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

This advisory has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.


#ChileQuake National Warning:Tsunami Threat to NZ Update 19

13:55HRS NZDT 28 Feb 2010

PTWC has issued a warning cancellation message at 1312 hours 28 February 2010. Whilst we acknowledge that PTWC have now cancelled the warning for New Zealand, the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management and GNS Science advise that New Zealand will remain at a warning status until further assessments have been made. The situation will be reviewed at 1430 hours.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying local threat assessments.

As at 13:40 NZDT, 28 February 2010, wave activity as reported on tsunami gauges appears to have stabilised at the previously-reported levels. Current wave heights remain consistent with previous reports; with the exception of Chatham Islands where current wave heights are 0.4 metres.

Tsunami propogation models and historic data indicate that larger waves may follow the initial wave arrival times by 6 to 12 hours. There may also be strong surges and rapid rises in sea level in some places. The situation continues to be closely monitored.

Location Estimated Wave Arrival Time - Updated
Chatham Islands-Kaingaroa 0752 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Chatham Islands-Waitangi 0735 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 1.0m
North Cape 0920 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
Whangarei 0945 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Auckland (North Head) 1052 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Mt Maunganui 0904 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
East Cape 0824 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
Gisborne 0829 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.4m
New Plymouth 1126 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Napier 0853 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
Wanganui 1020 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Wellington 0855 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Nelson 1035 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Marlborough Sounds (Tory Channel) 0908 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Westport 1038 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Greymouth 1020 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Christchurch (New Brighton)
Lyttelton Harbour 0935 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Observations indicate tidal surge estimates of up to 1 metre
Timaru 0910 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Milford Sound 0935 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Dunedin 0900 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Bluff 0928 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Stewart Island 0951 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

Based on modelling and measured waves arriving in New Zealand, the interpretation of the Tsunami Experts Panel is that a marine threat (i.e. threat to beach and small boats corresponding to wave heights less than 1 metre) still exists for the entire east coasts of the North and South Island from Puysegur around to Cape Reinga and extending south to Ahipara. Some land threat also still exists for the Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula i.e. wave heights between 1 and 3 metres. Strong currents expected in harbours and restricted waterways. There may be some small observable sea level changes on parts of the west coast of both islands.

Wave heights refer to maximum water level relative 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 could occur between 6 and 12 hours after the initial arrivals.

This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.


#ChileQuake National Warning:Tsunami Threat to NZ Update 18

12:45HRS NZDT 28 Feb 2010

As at 12:15 NZDT, 28 February 2010, wave activity as reported on tsunami gauges appears to have stabilised at the previously-reported levels (approximately 1.0 metres at the Chatham Islands, 0.3 metres at East Cape, Napier, Castlepoint, Tauranga and North Cape, and 0.4 metres in Gisborne).

Tsunami propogation models and historic data indicate that larger waves may follow the initial wave arrival times by 6 to 12 hours. There may also be strong surges and rapid rises in sea level in some places. The situation continues to be closely monitored.

Location Estimated Wave Arrival Time - Updated
Chatham Islands-Kaingaroa 0752 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Chatham Islands-Waitangi 0735 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 1.0m
North Cape 0920 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
Whangarei 0945 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Auckland (North Head) 1052 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Mt Maunganui 0904 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
East Cape 0824 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
Gisborne 0829 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.4m
New Plymouth 1126 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Napier 0853 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m
Wanganui 1020 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Wellington 0855 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Nelson 1035 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Marlborough Sounds (Tory Channel) 0908 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Westport 1038 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Greymouth 1020 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Christchurch (New Brighton) 0935 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived
Timaru 0910 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Milford Sound 0935 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Dunedin 0900 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Bluff 0928 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived
Stewart Island 0951 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying local threat assessments.

Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated. A wave measuring 2.34 metres was measured at Talcahuano, Chile and 0.35 metres at Easter Island, Chile. A wave measuring 0.16 metres was recorded in Apia, Samoa and a wave measuring 0.10 metres in Nukualofa, Tonga. A 1.5 metre wave has been reported at Pitt Island in the Chatham Islands. Further arrival times and wave heights for New Zealand mainland coastal areas are noted in the table below.

Based on modelling and measured waves arriving in New Zealand, the interpretation of the Tsunami Experts Panel is that a marine threat (i.e. threat to beach and small boats corresponding to wave heights less than 1 metre) still exists for the entire east coasts of the North and South Island from Puysegur around to Cape Reinga and extending south to Ahipara. Some land threat also still exists for the Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula i.e. wave heights between 1 and 3 metres. There may be some small observable sea level changes on parts of the west coast of both islands.

Wave heights refer to maximum water level relative 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 could occur between 6 and 12 hours after the initial arrivals.

This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.


National Advisory - Tsunami: Remains in effect overnight - No: 17

Issued at 1710 hours on 28 February 2010 NZDT.
Issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM).

A tsunami advisory is in effect for New Zealand:
The tsunami advisory will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
Origin time: 0634Z 27 FEB 2010
NZ time: 1934 NZDT 27 FEB 2010
Co-ordinates: 36.1 SOUTH 72.6 WEST
Depth: 55KM
Location: NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE
Magnitude: 8.8
The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.

Summary:

Monitored tidal gauges continue to show wave action of up to 1 metre on the east coast of the North and South Islands and at the Chatham Islands. There is no indication of any decrease in wave amplitude.

Scientific advice is that there is still a likelihood of surges and rapid sea level changes over the 24 hours after the initial wave arrivals. Wave heights could be larger than what we have currently experienced but within the threat levels and wave height estimates that have been previously forecast. The Ministry of Civil Defence& Emergency Management will keep the advisory in place overnight and will review this at 0800 hours on Monday 1 March 2010.

Strong currents could still be expected in harbours and restricted waterways. The Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula could still expect wave heights of between 1 and 3 metres. The risks to people in boats and on beaches for coastal communities in the east coast of the North and South Island and particularly Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula remains.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying a local threat assessment.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are continuing to review the situation and will discuss the situation at 0800 hours tomorrow to determine when a cancellation can be issued. The NCMC will stand down at 1800 hours and the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management will revert to Duty arrangements overnight. The NCMC will reopen at 0730 hours on Monday 1 March 2010.

This advisory has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

Information for emergency managers:

Local Civil Defence Emergency Management should continue to monitor the situation in their area and advise the MCDEM Duty Officer if there are any issues overnight.
Local emergency services should act in coordination with local Civil Defence Emergency Management.

MCDEM has activated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with public broadcasters to broadcast this advisory.

NCMC status:

The National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) will stand down at 1800 hours on 28 February 2010. Media enquiries can be directed to 04 494 6951 and other enquiries to the MCDEM Duty Officer.

Useful websites:
http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
http://www.getthru.govt.nz/

Further information:

A further update with more information will follow at approximately 0900 hours on Monday 1 March 2010. All further updates will be communicated by MCDEM via the national warning system.

Issued by:

Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management.


National Advisory: Tsunami Warning Downgraded to Advisory - No: 16

Issued at 1455 hours on 28 February 2010 NZDT.
Issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM).

A tsunami advisory is in effect for New Zealand:
The tsunami advisory will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
Origin time: 0634Z 27 FEB 2010
NZ time: 1934 NZDT 27 FEB 2010
Co-ordinates: 36.1 SOUTH 72.6 WEST
Depth: 55KM
Location: NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE
Magnitude: 8.8
The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data become available.

Summary:

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Cancellation in response to the above earthquake. However, based on scientific advice, the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management has downgraded the national warning to an advisory. There is still a likelihood of surges and rapid sea level changes to continue for up to 24 hours after the initial wave arrivals. Wave heights could be larger than what we have currently experienced but within the threat levels and wave height estimates that have been previously forecast. Strong currents are expected in harbours and restricted waterways. The Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula could still expect wave heights of between 1 and 3 metres. This represents risks to people in boats and on beaches for coastal communities in the east coast of the North and South Island and particularly Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying a local threat assessment.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are continuing to review the situation to determine when a cancellation can be issued.

This advisory has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

Information for emergency managers:

Local Civil Defence Emergency Management should stand by for further information and should emphasise to at-risk communities the need to remain vigilant and continue to stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities) and stay off the beaches.

Local emergency services should act in coordination with local Civil Defence Emergency Management.

MCDEM has activated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with public broadcasters to broadcast this advisory.

NCMC status:

The National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) is activated.
General enquiries (04) 494 6900
Media enquiries (04) 494 6951
Email operations@ncmc.govt.nz

Satellite phone 00881 621 465 606
HF radio call sign ZKC21

Useful websites:
http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
http://www.getthru.govt.nz/

Further information:

A further update with more information will follow at approximately 1700 hours. All further updates will be communicated by MCDEM via the national warning system.

Issued by:

Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management.


Media Release 28 February 2010 4.20am NZDT

Do not call 111 for tsunami updates

People wanting updates about the tsunami warning for New Zealand should not call 111.

Civil Defence Emergency Management National Controller, Alan Walker, said that 111 is not as an information service and should be used only if people need urgent assistance from fire, ambulance or police. Callers asking for information take up 111 operators time and can delay their responce to urgent calls for assistance.

Updates about the tsunami warning are on the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management website, www.civildefence.govt.nz, and are broadcast by media. Local and regional information is available from city, district and regional councils, and from regional civil defence emergency management groups. Contact details are listed under "locate the nearest council" on the website's home page.

Media are asked to please not call the Chatham Islands. There are few lines into the Islands and they have, at times been jammed. The lines are needed to coordiante the tsunami response on the Chathams.

The Ministry's most recent advice is:

Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated. A wave measuring 2.34 metres was measured at Talcahuano, Chile.

The first wave to arrive to New Zealand will be in the areas around Chatham Islands (Waitangi) at approximately 07:05 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.

Based on preliminary modelling and comparison with historical events the interpretation of the Tsunami Experts Panel 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 Island from Puysegur around to Cape Reinga and extending south to Ahipara. Some land threat also exists for the Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula i.e. wave heights between 1 and 3 metres. There may be some small observable sea level changes on parts of the west coast of both islands.

Wave heights refer to maximum water level relative 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.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

Estimates of expected wave arrival times are as follows:

Note: These times are provisional and based on the best information available. Arrival times may be as much as one hour later and may be adjusted in subsequent messages.

Location Estimated Wave Arrival Time
Chatham Islands-Kaingaroa 0722 NZDT 28 February 2010
Chatham Islands-Waitangi 0705 NZDT 28 February 2010
North Cape 0854 NZDT 28 February 2010
Whangarei 0915 NZDT 28 February 2010
Auckland (North Head) 1022 NZDT 28 February 2010
Mt Maunganui 0834 NZDT 28 February 2010
East Cape 0754 NZDT 28 February 2010
Gisborne 0759 NZDT 28 February 2010
New Plymouth 1056 NZDT 28 February 2010
Napier 0823 NZDT 28 February 2010
Wanganui 0949 NZDT 28 February 2010
Wellington 0825 NZDT 28 February 2010
Nelson 1005 NZDT 28 February 2010
Marlborough Sounds (Tory Channel) 0838 NZDT 28 February 2010
Westport 1008 NZDT 28 February 2010
Greymouth 0950 NZDT 28 February 2010
Christchurch (New Brighton) 0905 NZDT 28 February 2010
Timaru 0837 NZDT 28 February 2010
Milford Sound 0905 NZDT 28 February 2010
Dunedin 0829 NZDT 28 February 2010
Bluff 0858 NZDT 28 February 2010
Stewart Island 0921 NZDT 28 February 2010

Media contact:
Public Information Duty Manager
Telephone: 04 494 6951
E-Mail: pim@ncmc.govt.nz

Web: http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/

Useful websites:
People can find practical information about what they can do to help themselves prepare for an emergency on the Ministry's 'Get Ready Get Thru' website http://www.getthru.govt.nz/

NZ Civil Defence