No Tsunami Threat To Christchurch

Civil Defence is advising that there is not threat to Christchurch and Banks Peninsula from the tsunami.

Below is the National Advisory that was issued earlier today.

Request for the Broadcast of an Emergency Announcement

This is an official request for the broadcast of an Emergency Announcement in accordance with the Memoranda of Understanding between the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management and radio and television broadcasters.

1546 hours Wednesday 6 February 2013
Broadcast priority: 1 An event of life-threatening or national significance. Broadcast every 15 minutes.
Broadcast Target Areas: National
Period of Broadcast: Immediate

This request for an Emergency Announcement is made by the Civil Defence Emergency Management National Controller. Before broadcast, this message must be verified by the MCDEM Public Information Manager on 04 494 6951.

Emergency Announcement

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is advising New Zealand coastal communities that a tsunami is possible following a magnitude 8.0 earthquake near the Santa Cruz Islands (northern Vanuatu) at 1412NZDT New Zealand time today.
The Ministry is assessing the severity of the possible threat to New Zealand.

A tsunami has been generated, and the first wave may arrive in New Zealand in the areas around North Cape at approximately between 1800 and 1900 hours today. The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. Waves may continue for several hours.

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.

This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

Local civil defence authorities have been asked to activate local response arrangements and alert potentially at-risk communities as appropriate.

This Emergency Announcement was issued by the Civil Defence Emergency Management National Controller. Stay tuned to this station for more information.

ends

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