National Warning #5: Tsunami – Threat to Marine and Land Areas

No: 05

Issued 0318 hours 14 November 2016

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning (marine and land threat) from East Cape to Southland, including Wellington (which also includes the Cook Straight area), Marlborough Sounds/Tasman Bay and the Chatham Islands, and a marine threat for all other New Zealand coastal areas. See the attached map for affected areas.

More Detail

Areas under ‘Marine and Land Threat’ can also expect a threat of coastal inundation to land areas near the shore. Current assessments indicate that wave amplitudes of up to 3-5 metres along the coastlines closest to the earthquake epicentre (estimated from Blenheim to Banks Peninsula, and also including the Chatham Islands) can be expected in some areas (see attached map). The remainder of the east coast can expect wave amplitudes of up to 1-3 metres.
Areas under ‘Marine and Beach Threat’ can expect unusually strong currents and unpredictable water flows near the shore. This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities. The severity of currents and changing water flows will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect.

People in the all coastal areas should:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
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 local civil defence authorities
7. If a land threat is forecasted for your area, take appropriate evasive action (see ‘Marine and Land Threat’ below)

This warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. We note the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Information Statement for this event. PTWC messages do not represent the official warning status for New Zealand.

Local civil defence authorities will interpret this information for their areas and advise public action.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are continuously monitoring the situation.

Note:
• The wave amplitudes given indicate the largest expected wave activity at any coastal point in the particular coastal zone and at any time during the entire period this warning is in effect (tsunami activity will vary in a zone and with time; the first wave activity may also not be the largest).
• The amplitudes given are at shore. Tsunami run-up on steep slopes onshore can be up to twice as high i.e. a 5m wave at shore can run up as high as 10m on land near the shore.
• The given amplitudes do not include the local tidal or sea state at the time of tsunami activity.
• Local authorities will determine the implication of the expected wave heights for their areas and will decide on appropriate response actions (e.g. evacuations). Listen or check for this information from your local authority.

ENDS

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