Kuaotunu and Optio Bay Tsunami Open Day

The Kuaotunu, Otama Beach and Opito Bay communities are invited along to a Labour weekend open day to discuss preparedness for and response to tsunamis. The open day provides you with an opportunity to learn more about what we understand to be the tsunami threat to the settlements of Kuaotunu, Otama Beach and Opito Bay.

Members of the tsunami project team will be at the open days so you can talk with them directly.

Kuaotunu residents/visitors
Saturday 22 October 2016
Kuaotunu - Town Hall
9.00am - 11.30am

Otama Beach and Opito Bay residents/visitors
Sunday 22 October 2016
Opito Bay - Biels Helicopter Shed
1.30pm - 4.00pm

To find out more about tsunami and how they affect our district see our websitewww.tcdc.govt.nz/tsunami

Natural tsunami warning signs

There are 4 common natural signs that may indicate a tsunami is imminent. They are:

1. A strong earthquake which knocks you off your feet,

2. A long vibrating earthquake that lasts for more than one minute,

3. A sudden change in the sea levels on beaches and near river mouths,

4. Loud roaring noises like a jet engine from out at sea.

Some communities on the Coromandel Peninsula have installed tsunami warning sirens. They sound similar to the volunteer fire brigade fire sirens but when activated rise and stay on a high pitched tone and will operate for 10 minutes or more.

However your best warning is not a siren, but an earthquake. At that point, get to high ground (20m above sea level). It's that simple.

For distant tsunami events official warnings will be given over the radio, television and social media by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management supported by local messages.

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