Coastal Residents May Return Home But Advised to Play It Safe

Authorities now say the more than 200 people who self-evacuated to Haumoana School may return home but need to refrain from seaside activities and keep away from the lower reaches of the rivers. People should keep listening to the radio and television bulletins.

Residents were asked to self-evacuate just before 9am this morning after tsunami alerts were sparked by an 8.8 Richter scale earthquake near Chile.

While the initial waves in Hawke Bay were small, the pattern from the Chatham Islands and Gisborne showed tidal surges were increasing, and evidence of this has been seen in Napier. Latest indications are that they are not likely to increase from what we have seen already, but may continue for another 12 hours.
Hastings Civil Defence controller David Fraser says people should plan to spend the day away from the coast and lower reaches of rivers.

“It is not the height of the waves that is the concern, but rather the „wall of water effect and the strong surges and rips that can occur as a result,” Mr Fraser says.

“The tsunami warning is still in effect and people should listen to their radios and monitor the television in case the situation changes for the worse.”

Authorities are strongly urging people to stay away from the waterfront.
The Ministry for Civil Defence and Emergency Management says people should:
Stay off beaches

People should not go sightseeing in coastal areas

Stay away from coastal areas including, tidal estuaries, rivers and streams for 24hours, as even small waves create dangerous currents

Boats are generally safer in water deeper than 30m than closer to shore

Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

Listen to the radio or television for updates

Follow the instructions of local Civil Defence

ENDS

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