Media release

Number of pages: 02
Date: 30 September, 2009

TSUNAMI WARNING FOR NORTHLAND

Northlanders in low-lying east coast areas are being warned to adopt a precautionary approach and stay off beaches as a tsunami of as-yet unknown height reportedly heads towards New Zealand.
The Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group says an 8.3 magnitude earthquake large earthquake off Samoa earlier today has prompted the tsunami warning.

Group spokesman Graeme MacDonald says at this stage a tsunami warning has been issued for the entire country with areas of concern including Northland, the Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty and the East Coast north of Gisborne.

The tsunami is expected to reach Northland’s east coast some time between 9.45am and lunchtime today.

He says at this stage officials have no information about the likely height of the tsunami and are urging Northlanders, especially those in low lying east coast areas to take a precautionary approach, including staying away from beaches and moving to higher ground.

Anyone moving to higher ground should where possible, take a radio and cellphone with them, along with items that are essential for them such as glasses, hearing aid/s and medicines.

Affected Northland areas could include:

* Doubtless Bay
* Rangiputa Hihi
* Te Ngaire
* Bay Of Islands – Waitangi, Paihia, Opua, Russell
* Bland Bay
* Oakura
* Matapouri
* Whangarei east coast
* Bream Bay area
* Mangawhai area

On the west coast, Ahipara could also potentially be affected.

Mr MacDonald says fortunately for Northland it appears the tsunami will coincide with low tide, which would lessen any potential impacts. However, he says it’s crucial that all members of the public, including recreational boat users, stay away from coastal areas for safety reasons.

Civil Defence, local authority, police and fire officials will be monitoring the situation closely and the Northland CDEM Group will release new information as it comes to hand.

Northlanders are being urged to listen to local stations for updates:

• More FM (91.6 FM Whangarei / 92.0 FM Kerikeri / 99.7 FM Russell)
• Classic Hits (96.0 FM Northland / 96.8 FM BOI / 97.2 FM Mid-North / 97.6 FM Far North)
• Newstalk ZB (1026 AM & 1215 AM)
• Radio Live (90.6 FM Whangarei / 95.6 FM Mid-North)

Information is also available from the Northland Regional Council website www.nrc.govt.nz

ENDS

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