STARTED BY: AAJMA MANOJ
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Warning for New Zealand in response to the above earthquake. The New Zealand Tsunami Expert Panel assessment is that this is a marine threat only for New Zealand. A Marine Threat means strong and unusual currents are possible in the sea, rivers and estuaries. No land threat is expected at this time.
Historical events and pre-calculated tsunami models indicate that the largest impact (up to 1 m wave height at the coastline) is expected along the coasts of the central and northern North Island (i.e. from East Cape northwards and from Kaipara northwards). First arrivals in the upper North Island are expected to coincide with a low tide.
Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying local threat assessments.
Confirmation been received that a tsunami was generated. No wave heights are available at this time.
The first wave to arrive to New Zealand will be in the areas around North Cape at approximately 0623 12 March 2011. The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest.
Waves will continue for several hours.
People in coastal areas should:
- Stay off beaches
- Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
- Do not go sightseeing
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
- Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
- Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.
Estimate of expected wave arrival time at Lyttelton is 10:03am 12 March 2011
Note: The time is provisional and based on the best information available. Arrival time may be as much as one hour later and may be adjusted in subsequent messages.
MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand.
- Local and regional/Group Civil Defence Emergency Management must:
- Maintain activation of appropriate response coordination arrangements and communication processes
- Keep potentially at-risk communities informed as appropriate
Maintain contact with the NCMC (CDEM Groups only) - Stand by for further information.
Local CDEM to act in coordination with regional/Group CDEM.
Local emergency services must establish and maintain active response coordination with respective local and reginoal/Group Civil Defence Emergency Management.
MCDEM is continuing activation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with public broadcasters to broadcast this warning.