National Advisory: Tsunami - Potential Threat to New Zealand

National Advisory: Tsunami - Potential Threat to New Zealand

No: 01
Issued at 19:52 hours on 11/03/2011.

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

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: 0546Z 11 March 2011
NZ time: 1846NZDT 11 March 2011
Co-ordinates: 38.0 North 142.9 East
Depth: 10km
Location: Near East Coast of Honshu Japan
Magnitude: 7.9

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

NOTE: Magnitude revised to 8.8

Summary:

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Watch - 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.

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.

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