Media Release
For immediate release
Thursday 8 October 2009
1400 hrs
No. 1

Tsunami Advisory: Potential threat to the Auckland region

This morning’s earthquakes in Vanuatu have created the possibility of a tsunami which could affect the Auckland region.

The Ministry of Civil Defence has advised that any tsunami created is unlikely to be destructive. However, people are advised to:

• Keep off and away from all low lying areas such as all the region’s beaches, estuaries, marinas and harbours and all low lying roads, bridges and land. In addition, people are advised to be aware of fast moving currents.
• Listen to the radio or watch TV for further information from civil defence.

This warning will stay in place until the tsunami threat has been lifted.

At this stage there is no cause to evacuate homes or businesses and people are asked to follow the simple precautions above.

Expected tsunami arrival times are for:

• East coast Auckland - 1533 hrs
• West coast Auckland - 1614 hrs

Fast currents can be experienced for several hours after the estimated arrival times, regardless of wave size.

The Auckland Group Emergency Operations Centre will release further information as soon as it becomes available.

This warning follows earlier earthquakes off Vanuatu

Location Vanuatu Islands
Local time 11.03 NZDT
NZ Origin time 11.03 NZDT
Co-ordinates 13.0 South 166.3 East
Depth 33 km
Magnitude * 8.0

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

* Information from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is that the earthquake has generated a tsunami.

GNS Science has convened the tsunami expert panel and all available New Zealand and international data about the earthquake and sea levels will continue to be monitored and analysed.

Useful websites:

• www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz
• www.civildefence.govt.nz
• www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/
• http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-7GZVAT?OpenDocument

ENDS

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