National Warning: Tsunami Threat to New ZealandUpdate: Marine threat confirmed

Apologies for the formatting...


No: 03
Issued at 22:00 hours on 11/03/11

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

A tsunami marine warning is in effect for New Zealand:The tsunami warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
Origin time: 546Z 11 March 2011
NZ time: 846NZDT 11 March 2011
Co-ordinates: 38.2 North 142.5 East
Depth: 24km
Location: Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan
Magnitude: 8.9

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 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:
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.

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 0753NZDT 12 March 2011
Chatham Islands-Waitangi 0753NZDT 12 March 2011
North Cape 0623NZDT 12 March 2011
Whangarei No information
Auckland (West) 0723NZDT 12 March 2011
Mt Maunganui No information
East Cape 0723NZDT 12 March 2011
Gisborne 0729NZDT 12 March 2011
New Plymouth 0808NZDT 12 March 2011
Napier 0817NZDT 12 March 2011
Wanganui No information
Wellington 0753NZDT 12 March 2011
Nelson 1115NZDT 12 March 2011
Marlborough Sounds No information
Westport 0837NZDT 12 March 2011
Greymouth No information
Lyttelton 1003NZDT 12 March 2011
Timaru No information
Milford Sound 0747NZDT 12 March 2011
Dunedin 0929NZDT 12 March 2011
Bluff 1020NZDT 12 March 2011
Stewart Island No information

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