I thought it was just another weather warning making my phone beep, but no...
A magnitude 7.3 (initially thought to be 7.6) earthquake off the coast of Vanuatu has lead to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issuing a Tsunami Warning for Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia, based purely on the earthquake data - and its size & location also means that a Potential Threat advisory has been issued for New Zealand.
National Advisory: Tsunami - Potential Threat to New Zealand
No: 01
A tsunami potential threat advisory is in effect for New Zealand:
The advisory will remain in effect until it is upgraded to a national warning or a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.
An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
| Origin time: | 17:15 ZULU 27 MAY 2010 |
| NZ time: | 05:27NZST 28 MAY 2010 |
| Co-ordinates: | 13.7 SOUTH 166.5 EAST |
| Depth: | 20 KM |
| Location: | VANUATU ISLANDS |
| Magnitude: | 7.3 |
The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.
Summary:
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Information Bulletin 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.
A tsunami is possible. MCDEM and scientific advisors are assessing the severity of the threat to New Zealand.
If a tsunami has been generated, the first wave may arrive in New Zealand . The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. Waves may continue for several hours.
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 whether a tsunami has been generated and to assess the severity of the threat to New Zealand. More information about this event will follow.
This advisory has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.
The National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) is being activated.
Further information:
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.
Media enquires to 04 494 6951.
Useful websites:
http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
http://www.getthru.govt.nz/
Issued by:
Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management.
End of Message
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