For immediate release

2 September 2016, 7am                           

Gisborne people may return home and advised to stay off the beaches

People in the Gisborne district may return to their homes but are strongly advised to stay off the beaches and away from streams and estuaries this morning.

Several 30cm surges have been experienced in the wake of this morning’s 7.1 magnitude earthquake 130km north east of Te Araroa.

A tsunami threat to marine and beach areas remains in force from Ministry of Civil Defence Emergency Management. This advisory remains until MCDEM either upgrades it to a tsunami warning or cancels it.

Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management controller John Clarke says if people feel another long and strong earthquake, they should again head for higher ground or as far inland as possible,

Schools are open today except for Tolaga Bay Area School, which had to make a call early because of school buses.

Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management advises people to listen to their local radio for advice from Civil Defence or see Gisborne District Council’s Facebook page.

People in coastal areas should note that tsunami currents and surges are possible for the next 24 hours.

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Earlier:

For immediate release

2 September 2016, 6am                           

Coastal residents advised to go to higher ground

People living along Gisborne district’s coastline are advised to go to higher ground or as far inland as possible in the wake of this morning’s 7.1 magnitude earthquake 130km north east of Te Araroa.

Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management advises people to take their radios with them and listen to further instructions and advice from Civil Defence.

A potential tsunami threat advisory has been issued by Ministry of Civil Defence Emergency Management.

Gisborne Controller John Clarke reports that surges of about 30cm have been recorded at Gisborne port and the gauge at East Cape, which enforces the need for people to stay away from the coast.

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