Take care in coastal areas, strong tidal surges

People along the coast are being urged to take care in, on and near the water, as the effects of the Chilean earthquake are causing some unusual currents and surges.

Whangarei District Controller Simon Weston says an estimated 8.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Chile has had some effects on our coastline.

He warns strong tidal surges are affecting our shores, particularly at Tutukaka harbour as we have experienced this in previous events.

The yellow marine lights on the Tsunami sirens at Tutukaka have been switched on, indicating that the Tutukaka harbour is closed.

Mr Weston says in the interests of safety, people in coastal areas should:
• Take care on beaches
• Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries) - this includes boating activities
• Share information in this media release with family, neighbours and friends
• Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
• Follow any instructions from their local Civil Defence authorities
Information will also be available from the Whangarei District Council website www.wdc.govt.nz and social media sites www.facebook.com/whangareiDC and @whangareiDC and www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland

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