Media release

0735 September 2016

Waikato Civil Defence monitoring tsunami threat

Eastern Waikato’s coast and the Firth of Thames is included in a tsunami warning (marine and beach threat) issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM).

Waikato civil defence is closely monitoring the situation which follows the quake off East Cape this morning. Current assessments indicate that coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected but this assessment may change.  

MCDEM’s warning is for the North Coast of the North Island of New Zealand.

Areas under marine and beach threat can expect unusually strong currents and unpredictable water flows near the shore. This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities. The severity of currents and changing water flows will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect. 

First tsunami activity waves were detected at about 4:30am. Waves were around 30cm and were detected on the East Cape and Great Barrier Island tide gauges. Tsunami waves are expected to be observed for a couple of hours duration, based on current numerical simulations.

People in the above coastal areas should:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
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 local civil defence authorities

7. If beach threat is forecasted for your area, take appropriate evasive action (see Marine and Beach threat below) 

If you feel further earthquake shaking which is too strong to stand-up, or over 1 min in duration, move to higher ground immediately.

This warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

·        You can keep up to date with the latest information by visiting our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ or checking out our website at www.waikatoregioncdemg.govt.nz

·        Follow us on Twitter @civildefencewkt

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Earlier:

Media release

0645hrs 2 September 2016

Waikato Civil Defence monitoring tsunami threat

Waikato civil defence is closely monitoring tsunami threat advice following the quake off East Cape this morning. Current assessments indicate that coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected but this assessment may change.  

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning (MARINE and BEACH threat) for the North Coast of the North Island of New Zealand.

Areas under ‘MARINE and BEACH Threat’ can expect unusually strong currents and unpredictable water flows near the shore. This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities. The severity of currents and changing water flows will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect. 

First tsunami activity waves were detected at about 4:30am. Waves were around 30cm and were detected on the East Cape and Great Barrier Island tide gauges. Tsunami waves are expected to be observed for a couple of hours duration, based on current numerical simulations.

People in the above coastal areas should:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
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 local civil defence authorities

7. If beach threat is forecasted for your area, take appropriate evasive action (see Marine and Beach threat below) 

If you feel further earthquake shaking which is too strong to stand-up, or over 1 min in duration, move to higher ground immediately.

This warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

Local civil defence authorities will interpret this information for their areas and advise public action.

·        You can keep up to date with the latest information by visiting our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ or checking out our website at www.waikatoregioncdemg.govt.nz

·        Follow us on Twitter @civildefencewkt

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