Tsunami Warning For Bay Of Plenty 8 Of 8 – 0950 Hrs 28 Feb 2010

As at 09:15 NZDT, 28 February 2010, wave activity as reported on tsunami gauges is now approximately 0.5 metres at the Chatham Islands, and 0.2 metres at East Cape. Rana Solomon of Chatham Islands Council reports a wave height of 1.5 metres at Pitt Island in the Chathams. Gisborne, Napier and Castlepoint tsunami gauges are also showing initial activity of approximately the same magnitude as East Cape. At this stage there has been no significant wave movement in the Bay of Plenty, but it is predicted that this could change during the next few hours.

It is important to note that these are the first arrivals and larger waves may follow over a period of several hours.

The situation continues to be closely monitored.

People along the Bay of Plenty’s coast are being warned to stay away from beaches and estuaries as a tsunami heads towards New Zealand.

The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group says an earthquake estimated at 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Chile has prompted the tsunami warning.

Warwick Murray, Group Controller for the Bay of Plenty CDEM Group, says revised estimates from the tsunami expert panel are that a tsunami will reach the Bay of Plenty coast from about 9am today

Based on preliminary modelling and comparison with historical events the interpretation of the Tsunami Experts Panel is that a marine threat (i.e. threat to beach and small boats corresponding to wave heights less than 1 metre) exists for the entire east coasts of the North and South Island from Puysegur around to Cape Reinga and extending south to Ahipara. This includes the Bay of Plenty region.

Wave heights refer to maximum water level relative to the normal sea level at the beach. This does not take tides into account. Based on historical events it is expected that the greatest wave heights could occur between 6 and 12 hours after the initial arrivals.

High tide occurred in Whakatane at 0700 hrs and Tauranga at 0724 hours.

However, Mr Murray said people need to be aware that the first wave may not be the largest and large waves may continue to arrive for up to six to 12 hours from 8am.

Similarly, he warns strong tidal surges could also affect harbours throughout the day so people should cancel any boating trips they may have been planning.

Mr Murray says Bay of Plenty 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 on the coast
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

Mr Murray says Civil Defence, local authority, police and fire officials will be monitoring the situation closely and the Bay of Plenty CDEM Group will release new information as it comes to hand.

He says people should turn on their radios and listen to the advice/updates from Civil Defence. Local stations include:
Radio NZ: Tauranga - 819AM & 101.0FM | Whakatane - 101.7FM | Rotorua - 1188AM and 101.5FM

Newstalk ZB: Tauranga - 1008AM | Rotorua - 747AM

Classic Hits: Tauranga and Eastern Bay of Plenty - 95.0FM | Rotorua - 97.5FM and 90.9FM

More FM: Tauranga - 93.4FM | Rotorua - 95.9FM

Radio Live: Tauranga - 1107AM | Whakatane - 92.1FM | Rotorua - 1107AM

1XX: 90.5 FM | Whakatane, Opotiki, Kawerau and Edgecumbe - 93.0 FM | Ohope Beach - 92.9 FM | Te Puke - 1242 AM

They should also visit www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz for updated information

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