National Warning: Tsunami Threat to New Zealand Update: Tsunami confirmed

Date/time: 7 July 2011 8.00am Release No: 1 Issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM).

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

An earthquake has occurred with these parameters: Origin time:

1903Z 06 July 2011

NZ time:

0703 NZDT 7 July 2011

Co-ordinates:

29.4 SOUTH 175.7 WEST

Depth:

48 km

Location:

Kermadec Islands

Magnitude:

7.8

The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.

Summary:

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Watch in response to the above earthquake.

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.

A tsunami is possible. MCDEM and scientific advisors are assessing the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

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 closely monitoring the situation to determine whether a tsunami has been generated and to assess the severity of the threat to New Zealand. More information about this event will follow.

A further update with more information will follow within the next hour. Until a cancellation is issued, updates will continue at least hourly. All further updates will be communicated by MCDEM via the national warning system Residents are advised to listen to their radio for regular updates.

* National Radio 101.0 FM and 819 AM

Whakatane - 101.7FM

Rotorua - 1188AM and 101.5FM

* Newstalk ZB

Tauranga - 1008AM

Rotorua - 747AM

* Classic Hits

Tauranga & eastern Bay of Plenty - 95.0FM |

Rotorua - 97.5FM and 90.9FM * More FM Tauranga - 93.4FM

Rotorua - 95.9FM * Radio Live Tauranga - 1107AM

Whakatane - 92.1FM

Rotorua - 1107AM * 1XX 90.5 FM

Whakatane, Opotiki, Kawerau and Edgecumbe - 93.0 FM

Ohope Beach - 92.9 FM

Te Puke - 1242 AM

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group information

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has activated and is monitoring the situation.

© Scoop Media