Christchurch: Tsunami update at 12.15pm

The latest information indicates evacuations will not be required in
Christchurch or the Banks Peninsula area, however it is still a good
idea to remain prepared in case the situation changes. The waves may
continue to be larger then usual for several more hours, therefore
people are asked to stay away from coastal areas, including exposed
foreshores, estuaries and river mouths.

The tsunami wave which has hit the Chatham Islands was estimated to be
around 20 centimetres above normal sea level. Historical information
shows that tsunami waves from South America are generally lower in the
Banks Peninsula and Christchurch than in the Chatman Islands.

The situation will be monitored for the rest of the day, and the
Council's Emergency Operations Centre is currently continuing to
operate.

Analysis of information being received suggests that any effect around
Banks Peninsula will now be at the low end of the one to three metre
prediction. Christchurch City Council Civil Defence Emergency Management
and the Regional Emergency Management Office will continue monitoring
and communicate with the National Crisis Management Centre.

ENDS

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