Media Advisory

Cancellation of potential tsunami threat

For immediate release: 5.30pm Wednesday 30 September 2009

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has now confirmed that there is no further tsunami risk to New Zealand from the 8.3 earthquake that occurred in the Samoa Islands region this morning.

The Ministry’s Director, John Hamilton, said that scientific advice indicates no further tsunami threat exists for New Zealand coastlines as a result of this morning's earthquake near Samoa.

Wave activity around New Zealand is expected to continue but to decline in height over the next few hours. 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.

The National Crisis Management Centre stood down at 1700 hours today.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council earlier stood down their Emergency Management Centre (EOC) and Whakatane District Council has closed its EOC

ENDS