Update: Tsunami Threat to NZ - Tsunami confirmed   28 Feb 2010

Press Release - Civil Defence Emergency Management

National Warning: Tsunami Threat to New Zealand
Update: Tsunami confirmed

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No: 02
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Issued at 01:06 hours on 28 February 2010.

Issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM).

A tsunami warning is in effect for New Zealand:
The tsunami warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.
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An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
Origin time: 0634Z 27 FEB 2010
NZ time: 1934 NZDT 27 FEB 2010
Co-ordinates: 36.1 SOUTH 72.6 WEST

Depth: 55 KM

Location: NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE

Magnitude: 8.8

The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.

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Summary:

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Warning in response to the above earthquake.

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 has been received that a tsunami was generated. A wave measuring 2.34 metres was measured in Talcahuano, Chile.

The first wave to arrive to New Zealand will be in the areas around Chatham Islands (Waitangi) at approximately 0705 NZDT, Sunday 28 February 2010. The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. Stong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours.

Based on preliminary modelling and comparison with historical events the interpretation of the Tsunami Experts Panel is that a marine threat (i.e. threat to beach and small boats) exists for the entire east coasts of the North and South Islands from Puysegur around to Cape Reinga and extending south to Ahipara. Some land threat also exists (i.e. wave heights between 1 and 3 metres) for the Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula. Wave height refers to maximum water level relevant to the normal sea level at the beach. This does not take tides into account. Based on historical events it is expected that the greatest wave heights will occur between 6 and 12 hours after the initial arrivals.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.
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Information for emergency managers:

Estimates of expected wave arrival times are as follows:

Note: These times are provisional and based on the best information available. Arrival times may be as much as one hour later and may be adjusted in subsequent messages.
Location Estimated Wave Arrival Time
Chatham Islands-Kaingaroa 0722 NZDT 28 February 2010
Chatham Islands-Waitangi 0705 NZDT 28 February 2010
North Cape 0854 NZDT 28 February 2010
Whangarei 0915 NZDT 28 February 2010
Auckland (North Head) 1022 NZDT 28 February 2010
Mt Maunganui 0834 NZDT 28 February 2010
East Cape 0754 NZDT 28 February 2010
Gisborne 0759 NZDT 28 February 2010
New Plymouth 1056 NZDT 28 February 2010
Napier 0823 NZDT 28 February 2010
Wanganui 0949 NZDT 28 February 2010
Wellington 0825 NZDT 28 February 2010
Nelson 1005 NZDT 28 February 2010
Marlborough Sounds (Tory Channel) 0838 NZDT 28 February 2010
Westport 1008 NZDT 28 February 2010
Greymouth 0950 NZDT 28 February 2010
Christchurch (New Brighton) 0905 NZDT 28 February 2010
Timaru 0837 NZDT 28 February 2010
Milford Sound 0905 NZDT 28 February 2010
Dunedin 0829 NZDT 28 February 2010
Bluff 0858 NZDT 28 February 2010
Stewart Island 0921 NZDT 28 February 2010

Local civil defence emergency management is advised to:

1. Activate appropriate response arrangements
2. Alert potentially at-risk communities as appropriate
3. Stand by for further information
4. Inform the NCMC of actions taken.

Local emergency services should act in coordination with local Civil Defence Emergency Management.

MCDEM has activated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with public broadcasters to broadcast this warning.
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NCMC status:

The National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) is activated.

General enquiries (04) 494 6900
Media enquiries (04) 494 6951
Email [email protected]

Satellite phone 00881 621 465 606
HF radio call sign ZKC21

Useful websites:
http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
http://www.getthru.govt.nz/

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Further updates:

A further update with more information will follow within the next hour. Until a cancellation is issued updates will continue at least hourly. All further updates will be communicated by MCDEM via the national warning system.
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Issued by:

Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management.
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End of Message

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