Tsunami Warning Lifted

CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

NEWS RELEASE

20 March 2009

Tsunami Warning Lifted

Tsunami warnings were received by Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence and Emergency Management staff at 0811 hrs this morning. The alerts came as a result of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake near Tonga.

Tsunami warning bulletins were issued from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii to all Pacific coastal areas.

These warnings were rebroadcast through warning systems in New Zealand.

Before there was any need to alert the public, the warning was lifted. This was broadcast on radio stations.

“If there had been a tsunami on its way, Civil Defence would have issued public instructions on all the radio stations in Hawke’s Bay. People living in coastal communities need to review their own emergency plans, and know what to do when official warnings are issued,” said Nigel Simpson, coordinator of Hawke’s Bay CDEM Group.

The normal alert process ensured that organisations that are part of the Hawke’s Bay warning system shared information and considered actions that may be required should a tsunami wave eventuate.

HB Civil Defence and Emergency Management staff responded to the warnings and were preparing to take further action if required.

The Harbourmaster advised the Port company and shipping agents of the alert. NZ Transport Agency activated their procedures to ensure that state highways were operational.

ENDS

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