For immediate release

2 September 2016, 8.15am                        

Communities congratulated for quick response

Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management controller John Clarke congratulates all the people who chose to self-evacuate from their homes after this morning’s earthquake, especially the Hicks Bay and Te Araroa communities,

“We are pleased with their response and with the way civil defence quickly reacted to the potential for a tsunami after the earthquake north east of Te Araroa.”

He says it is pleasing that civil defence’s tsunami messaging of Long, Strong and Be Gone has been taken on board, especially with aftershocks continuing across the district.

“Although some people chose not to evacuate, we want to reinforce that the self-evacuating message is given for good reasons. If they don’t self-evacuate, they are placing emergency services, civil defence personnel at risk if they have to do house by house checks. People put themselves and their families at risk too.

“It’s easy to be wise afterwards, but there is limited time between an earthquake in that vicinity and a potential tsunami. People do need to use their initiative and react quickly. 

“Two days ago, we were part of the national Exercise Tangaroa, which put us in good stead for this morning’s event.

“While the situation may have settled quickly, there is potential for more aftershocks and the situation could change.”

The advice remains to stay off the beaches, out of the water and away from rivers, streams and estuaries in vulnerable areas for at least the next 24 hours or until told otherwise.

“We also discourage people from going out in boats.”

A tsunami threat to marine and beach areas remains in force from Ministry of Civil Defence Emergency Management. This advisory remains until MCDEM either upgrades it to a tsunami warning or cancels it.

Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management controller John Clarke says if people feel another long and strong earthquake, they should again head for higher ground or as far inland as possible,

Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management advises people to listen to their local radio for advice from Civil Defence or see Gisborne District Council’s Facebook page.

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