Gisborne civil defence happy tsunami threat taken seriously

Gisborne civil defence is happy with the response from local and East Coast residents to today’s tsunami threat. While it never looked like there was a significant risk to local communities it was important that residents avoided beaches and took the threat seriously.

Gisborne District Council’s group controller Jon Davies was initially informed of a tsunami warning at 7.40am by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM). The emergency response team were called together by 8.15am. Once the situation was clarified civil defence coordinators in coastal townships were activated and local radio stations informed of the situation.

Warnings were given to people in low lying coastal areas for self evacuation as a further precaution. These people were contacted manually by police, fire and civil defence personnel and many choose to move to higher ground. Initial reports indicated a one metre wave was expected at East Cape from approximately 9.20am. Radio stations directed their listeners to stay off the beaches and avoid using small boats. At no stage was a significant risk identified.

Feedback from the radio stations and volunteers was that people were confused about what they were hearing on national television and radio. Mr Davies said it is important that people listen to local radio stations as their primary source of information. “In situations like this there will always be different messages flying around. Official civil defence messages are sent to our local radio stations. This can take a little time as we need to clarify our information and ensure it matches what is coming through from official agencies. This was an international event and so information on the status of the event is notified by MCDEM. Information from GeoNet, who use seismic sensors to track tsunami waves, is also taken into account.

“Residents who took preventative action by going to higher ground is commendable but people should become aware of whether they are in potential hazard area or not. Those that are not in hazard areas do not need to move,” Mr Davies added. Evacuation plans and potential hazard areas are available on the council’s website http://www.gdc.govt.nz/tsunami-evacuation-maps/

The Potential Threat Advisory remains in place. MCDEM is assessing information further with the assistance of scientific advisors. Tsunami wave activity is still being recorded at East Cape, with smaller wave activity is also being recorded at Gisborne. There is now a low possibility of waves higher than those recorded up to now. There is still an ongoing threat of strong currents affecting coastal areas. People should remain clear of beaches and refrain from boating activities.

ENDS

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