New Zealand Tsunami Threat Assessment Remains Unchanged

#ChileQuake National Warning: Tsunami Threat to NZ Update 8

04:20HRSNZDT
28 Feb2010

Threat assesment remains unchanged

A tsunami was generated from the 8.8 magnitude 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

NZ Civil Defence advice on what to do in the event of a tsunami (NB this is a 'distant tsunami')

Latest Tsunami Measurements from the NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
------------------- ----- ------ ----- --------------- -----
QUEPOS CR 0.0N 9.4E 1418Z 0.24M / 0.8FT 44MIN
BALTRA GALAPAGS EC 0.4S 90.3W 1313Z 0.25M / 0.8FT 36MIN
EASTER CL 27.2S 109.5W 1205Z 0.35M / 1.1FT 52MIN
ANCUD CL 41.9S 73.8W 0838Z 0.62M / 2.0FT 84MIN
CALLAO LA-PUNTA PE 12.1S 77.2W 1029Z 0.36M / 1.2FT 30MIN
ARICA CL 18.5S 70.3W 1008Z 0.94M / 3.1FT 42MIN
IQUIQUE CL 20.2S 70.1W 0907Z 0.28M / 0.9FT 68MIN
ANTOFAGASTA CL 23.2S 70.4W 0941Z 0.49M / 1.6FT 52MIN
DART LIMA 32412 18.0S 86.4W 0941Z 0.24M / 0.8FT 36MIN
CALDERA CL 27.1S 70.8W 0843Z 0.45M / 1.5FT 20MIN
TALCAHUANO CL 36.7S 73.4W 0653Z 2.34M / 7.7FT 88MIN
COQUIMBO CL 30.0S 71.3W 0852Z 1.32M / 4.3FT 30MIN
CORRAL CL 39.9S 73.4W 0739Z 0.90M / 2.9FT 16MIN
SAN FELIX CL 26.3S 80.1W 0815Z 0.53M / 1.7FT 08MIN
VALPARAISO CL 33.0S 71.6W 0708Z 1.29M / 4.2FT 20MIN

NZ Civil Defence
NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center