Tsunami Warning: Threat to Auckland

Sunday February 28, 2010

Media Release
For immediate release
Sunday 28 February 2010
01:30am

Tsunami Warning: Threat to Auckland
________________________________________

Tsunami warning for Auckland region
Expected arrival in Auckland (North Head) is 1022hrs (NZDT) today.

The Auckland Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has issued a tsunami warning for Auckland region’s coastlines. A tsunami is expected to arrive at 1022hrs (NZDT) today.

The warning is for: a non destructive tsunami for New Zealand, wave heights at the shore of between 0.2 and 1 metre. Scientific Advisors confirm a possible marine threat along the east coast of the North Island, South Island and Chatham Islands, possibly over 1 metre.

People need to:
• Turn on their radios and listen to the advice from Civil Defence

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
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 your local Civil Defence authorities

Detailed evacuation advice and or safety advice will come from local councils and emergency services in the area. People should act on it promptly. If told to evacuate they should, where possible, take a radio and cellphone with them and check for updates.

The Group Controller of the Auckland Region Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group, Harry O’Rourke said that the Auckland Group Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and is working urgently with councils, emergency services and the media to provide the public with detailed safety advice.

The warning follows an earthquake at:

Location: Near Coast of Central Chile
Local time: 1934 HRS NZDT
NZ Origin time: 0634 z
Co-ordinates: 36.1 South 72.6 West
Depth: 55 KM
Magnitude: * 8.8
* The above magnitude is provisional and may be adjusted as more seismic data becomes available.
* Information from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is that the earthquake has generated a tsunami.

GNS Science has convened the tsunami expert panel and all available New Zealand and international data about the earthquake and sea levels will continue to be monitored and analysed.

The Auckland Group Emergency Operations Centre will release further information as soon as it becomes available.

ENDS
www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz
www.civildefence.govt.nz
www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-7GZVAT?OpenDocument