NZ tsunami possible from Tonga Islands earthquake
Media
Release
20 March
2009
08:10
New Zealand tsunami possible from Tonga
Islands earthquake
It is possible that there is a tsunami risk to New Zealand from an earthquake that occurred in Tonga Islands Region today at 07:18 NZDT. The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is continuing to monitor the situation.
The Ministry’s Director, John Hamilton, said that the Ministry has received information about the earthquake from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) in Hawaii and GNS Science in New Zealand.
The information from PTWC and GNS Science indicates there is a possibility of tsunami risk to New Zealand.
“GNS Science has convened the tsunami expert panel and all available New Zealand and international data about the earthquake and sea levels is being closely monitored and analysed,” Mr Hamilton said.
“Authorities will release further information as soon as it becomes available.”
Earthquake
details:
Location:
Tonga Islands Region
Time
and date:
1818Z 19 March 2009
NZ Origin
time:
0718 NZDT 20 March 2009
Co-ordinates:
23.0
South 174.8 West
Depth:
48
Km
Magnitude*:
7.7
* The above magnitude is
provisional and may be adjusted as more seismic data becomes
available.
Useful websites:
http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-7GZVAT?OpenDocument
ENDS