National Warning - Tsunami - Threat to NZ - Tsunami confirmed

National Warning: Tsunami Threat to New Zealand - Update: Tsunami confirmed
No: 02
Issued at 0755 hours on 7 July 2011

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.

An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
Origin time: 1903Z 06 July 2011
NZ time: 0703 NZDT 7 July 2011
Co-ordinates: 29.4 SOUTH 175.7 WEST
Depth: 48 km
Location: Kermadec Islands
Magnitude: 7.8

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 in response to the above earthquake. A marine threat for Northland, Bay of Plenty, East Coast and Hawkes Bay has been identified.

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. The first wave to arrive to New Zealand will be in the areas around at approximately 0852 7 July 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.

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.

North Cape 0854 7 July 2011 NZDT
Auckland (East) 1000 7 July 2011 NZDT
East Cape 0852 7 July 2011 NZDT
Gisborne 0859 7 July 2011 NZDT

NCMC status: The National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) is activated.

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

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.

Issued by: Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management.

End of Message