MEDIA RELEASE

17 September 2015 at 1300hrs

Council and civil defence monitoring tsunami developments

Waikato Regional Council’s regional hazards team and Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group staff in Hamilton and the Coromandel are closely monitoring advice related to the tsunami that’s occurred off Chile.

The Ministry for Civil Defence Emergency Management has advised the east coast of New Zealand could feel some effects.

The council’s regional hazards team says such effects could start to come in the Coromandel region on a mid-level to falling tide between roughly midnight tonight and 2amtomorrow.

The team believes the effects would mostly occur at sea and off the coast, with any inundation from waves or surges limited to very low-lying areas. The inundation would likely be similar to a king tide or storm surge at worst.

However, strong inner harbour currents and unusual tide movements could eventuate. Effects may still occur during high tide around 10am Friday. Boaties should check their moorings during daylight hours today given the possibility of strong and abmormal tides associated with the tsunami.

This regional council and civil defence advice will be updated as required and by no later than 5pm tonight.

Waikato Civil Defence says there is no other specific action required now but in the hours leading up to the expected arrival time, people should:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities

Civil Defence is monitoring the situation and will update their Facebook page with any new developments and issue further information via other outlets as required.

The public is advised to stay up to date with warnings via news media and athttps://www.facebook.com/WaikatoCivilDefence or https://www.facebook.com/WaikatoRegion

Advice is also available at https://www.facebook.com/ThamesCoromandelDistrictCouncil
and www.tcdc.govt.nz

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