30 September 2009

Waikato Civil Defence and Emergency Management has revised the times it expects a tsunami to affect the region.

It now expects a wave of around a metre high to possibly hit the east coast of the region about 11am today, and to possibly affect the west coast of the region around 11.40am.

Residents of low-lying areas on both coasts have been urged to move to higher ground and to listen to national radio networks, and Coromandel FM on the east coast, for further instructions.

Waikato Civil Defence group controller Scott Fowlds said people needed to take a precautionary approach until the tsunami threat has passed.

"We urge people to move if they are at risk and follow instructions from local authorities."

ENDS

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