Posted: 12 March 2011
National Tsunami Threat Warning
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami marine warning for New Zealand in response to an earthquake (magnitude 8.9) off the coast of Japan earlier this evening.
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The marine threat means strong and unusual currents are possible in the sea, river mouths and estuaries and all Northland coastal residents are being warned to stay off beaches.
Tony Phipps Group Controller Northland CDEM Group, says the estimated wave arrival time for the North Cape is 0623 tomorrow morning (subs: Saturday 12 March 2011).
“We are asking all coastal residents and visitors to stay off the beaches, out of the water and not to go sightseeing along our coast,” says Mr Phipps.
Northlanders are being asked to share this information with family, neighbours and friends and to listen to the radio and/or TV for updates.
The first waves are estimated to arrive coincide with low tide on the east coast (0709 at Marsden Point). Low tide on the west coast - at Pouto Point – is 0951.
Mr Phipps says the first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest with tsunami activity, such as unusual currents and changes in sea-level, will continue for several hours.