Media Advisory
Potential Tsunami Threat to New Zealand
For immediate release: 12.45pm Thursday 8 October 2009
MCDEM issued a Potential Threat Advisory to New Zealand following the Magnitude 8.0 earthquake that occurred in Vanuatu
today at 1117NZDT. The magnitude has since been revised to 7.8. There is no confirmation that a tsunami has been
generated. Our advice from scientific advisors is that if a tsunami has been generated it is unlikely to be destructive
for New Zealand. However, the Potential Threat Advisory remains in effect until cancellation.
People on the west coast from North Cape to Hokitika and on the east coast from North Cape to Auckland should stay away
from beaches and to refrain from boating activities. Update will follow.
ENDS