Posted: 28 February 2010
Tsunami warning for Northland
UPDATE NO.1 0300hrs - People along Northland's east coast are being warned to stay away from beaches and estuaries as a tsunami heads towards New Zealand.
The Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group says an earthquake estimated at 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Chile has prompted the tsunami warning.
Clive Manley, Group Controller for the Northland CDEM Group, says initial estimates are that a tsunami will reach Northland’s east coast about 9.15am today. (That is shortly after high tide expected at Marsden Pt about 7.49am.)
However, Mr Manley warns the first wave may not be the largest and large waves may continue to arrive for up to six to 12 hours from 9.15am.
Similarly, he warns strong tidal surges could also affect harbours throughout the day, a phenomenon which affected the Tutukaka Harbour during another tsunami event last year.
Mr Manley says Northlanders in coastal areas should:
- Stay off beaches
- Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
- Do not go sightseeing
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
- Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
- Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities
Mr Manley says 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.
He says people should turn on their radios and listen to the advice/updates from Civil Defence. Local stations include:
- 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)
- Radio New Zealand (837AM & 104.3 FM Whangarei / 837AM & 101.2FM Kaitaia & 981AM & 101.6FM Kaikohe)
Information is also available from the Northland Regional Council website www.nrc.govt.nz