NZ tsunami possible from Tonga Islands earthquake

Media Release                                        
20 March 2009
                                                                              08:10

New Zealand tsunami possible from Tonga Islands earthquake
 

It is possible that there is a tsunami risk to New Zealand from an earthquake that occurred in Tonga Islands Region today at  07:18 NZDT. The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is continuing to monitor the situation.

The Ministry’s Director, John Hamilton, said that the Ministry has received information about the earthquake from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) in Hawaii and GNS Science in New Zealand.

The information from PTWC and GNS Science indicates there is a possibility of tsunami risk to New Zealand.

“GNS Science has convened the tsunami expert panel and all available New Zealand and international data about the earthquake and sea levels is being closely monitored and analysed,” Mr Hamilton said.

“Authorities will release further information as soon as it becomes available.”

Earthquake details:
 
Location:
Tonga Islands Region
Time and date:
1818Z 19 March 2009
NZ Origin time:
0718 NZDT 20 March 2009
Co-ordinates:
23.0 South 174.8 West
Depth:
48 Km
Magnitude*:
7.7

* The above magnitude is provisional and may be adjusted as more seismic data becomes available. 

Useful websites:

http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/

www.geonet.org.nz/tsunami

http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-7GZVAT?OpenDocument

ENDS