National Warning: Tsunami Threat To New Zealand
Update: Tsunami Confirmed

No: 15

Issued at 1346 hours on 28 February 2010.

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: 0634Z 27 FEB 2010
NZ time: 1934 NZDT 27 FEB 2010
Co-ordinates: 36.1 SOUTH 72.6 WEST
Depth: 55 KM
Location: NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE
Magnitude: 8.8
The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.

Summary:

PTWC has issued a warning cancellation message at 1312 hours 28 February 2010. Whilst we acknowledge that PTWC have now cancelled the warning for New Z ealand, the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management and GNS Science advise that New Zealand will remain at a warning status until further assessments have been made. The situation will be reviewed at 1430 hours.

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.

As at 13:40 NZDT, 28 February 2010, wave activity as reported on tsunami gauges appears to have stabilised at the previously-reported levels. Current wave heights remain consistent with previous reports; with the exception of Chatham Islands where current wave heights are 0.4 metres. Tsunami propogation models and historic data indicate that larger waves may follow the initial wave arrival times by 6 to 12 hours. There may also be strong surges and rapid rises in sea level in some places. The situation continues to be closely monitored.

Based on modelling and measured waves arriving in New Zealand, 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) still exists for the entire east coasts of the North and South Island from Puysegur around to Cape Reinga and extending south to Ahipara. Some land threat also still exists for the Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula i.e. wave heights between 1 and 3 metres. Strong currents expected in harbours and restricted waterways. There may be some small observable sea level changes on parts of the west coast of both islands.

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.

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.

ENDS

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