Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Hamner Springs Earthquake and Tsunami

Hamner Springs Earthquake and Tsunami

Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management
Media release #4
14 November 2016, 2.00pm

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) says a local state of emergency has been declared in Kaikoura and Hurunui.

A tsunami warning (marine and beach threat) remains in place from Wellington to Banks Peninsula.

The threat for all other regions has been lifted. However, all previous threat regions will experience unusually strong coastal currents for some time.

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 coastal areas from Wellington to Banks Peninsula should:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
3. 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.

Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management Director, Sarah Stuart-Black said the 7.5 earthquake at 0002hrs near Culverden was initially centred under land, so science experts and the Pacific Tsunami Warning System assessed it as a ‘no tsunami threat.’

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“This was a complicated quake where the fault rupture under land appeared to have continued some distance offshore. A sea level gauge picked up a change in wave height which was then determined to be a tsunami threat by the tsunami expert panel and the GeoNet Duty Officer.”

She said with local source earthquakes it is important people know the warning signs and take action immediately as there may not be time for official notifications.”

“It was really heartening to see so many people who felt the long or strong quake took the decision to move up hill or inland. They listened to their radios, followed the advice of civil defence and emergency services and heard warnings from neighbours and took the right action.”

Mrs Stuart-Black said contact with Kaikoura had been difficult, but she said Police had confirmed reports of two deaths, injuries and building collapses in the region.

“Civil Defence and Emergency Management groups across the country are sending people to the region to help. Search and rescue are on the ground and Defence is doing an aerial inspection so we can get a full picture of the help that is needed.”

She said teams in Marlborough were door knocking in the Ward and Seddon regions to check on people.

In Wellington, pedestrians and motorists are advised to stay out of the CBD and a severe weather warning for strong winds and heavy rain had been issued for later today.

“If it’s safe for you to stay in your home, then do so. Look after your neighbours and loved ones and remember there will be aftershocks. Stay vigilant.”
In your local areas check with your local Civil Defence and Emergency Management people.

For earthquakes:
· Expect aftershocks and remember to drop, cover and hold.
· Look after yourself and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.
· Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. Use the stairs, not an elevator and when outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.
· Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
· Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls. Text friends and family to see if they are OK.
· Building assessments should be undertaken before buildings are opened for normal use, particularly in areas which experienced strong shaking and CBD areas of Wellington, Christchurch and Blenheim.

For tsunamis:
· Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
· Stay off beaches and shore areas
· Do not go sightseeing
· Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
· Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
· Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities.

If beach threat is forecasted for your area, take appropriate evasive action
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, local civil defence emergency management authorities and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation.

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.