30 Sept. 2009

4:35 p.m.

MEDIA STATEMENT

Tsunami Advisory Now Cancelled

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management tsunami advisory regarding the earthquake in Samoa has been lifted.

According to scientific advice no further tsunami threat exists for the Canterbury coastline.
There is still a likelihood of strong currents in coastal areas. Beach areas should now be safe; however people should remain alert for unusual sea activity.

Ms. Helen Grant, Emergency Coordination Centre Duty Manager, says the response to the tsunami warning in Canterbury was well organised and efficient.

“The councils and emergency services responded according to their plans and procedures. The media worked with us to get the correct messages to the public quickly and communities also took swift action, warning river users along the coast,” Helen Grant says.

The Emergency Coordination Centre Duty Manager is monitoring the situation, enabling rapid response if the situation changes.

ENDS