Hamner Springs Earthquake and Tsunami

Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management
Media release #4
14 November 2016, 2.00pm

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) says a local state of emergency has been declared in Kaikoura and Hurunui.

A tsunami warning (marine and beach threat) remains in place from Wellington to Banks Peninsula.

The threat for all other regions has been lifted. However, all previous threat regions will experience unusually strong coastal currents for some time.

Areas under ‘Marine and Beach Threat’ can expect unusually strong currents and unpredictable water flows near the shore. This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities. The severity of currents and changing water flows will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect.

People in coastal areas from Wellington to Banks Peninsula should:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
3. 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 local civil defence authorities.

Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management Director, Sarah Stuart-Black said the 7.5 earthquake at 0002hrs near Culverden was initially centred under land, so science experts and the Pacific Tsunami Warning System assessed it as a ‘no tsunami threat.’

“This was a complicated quake where the fault rupture under land appeared to have continued some distance offshore. A sea level gauge picked up a change in wave height which was then determined to be a tsunami threat by the tsunami expert panel and the GeoNet Duty Officer.”

She said with local source earthquakes it is important people know the warning signs and take action immediately as there may not be time for official notifications.”

“It was really heartening to see so many people who felt the long or strong quake took the decision to move up hill or inland. They listened to their radios, followed the advice of civil defence and emergency services and heard warnings from neighbours and took the right action.”

Mrs Stuart-Black said contact with Kaikoura had been difficult, but she said Police had confirmed reports of two deaths, injuries and building collapses in the region.

“Civil Defence and Emergency Management groups across the country are sending people to the region to help. Search and rescue are on the ground and Defence is doing an aerial inspection so we can get a full picture of the help that is needed.”

She said teams in Marlborough were door knocking in the Ward and Seddon regions to check on people.

In Wellington, pedestrians and motorists are advised to stay out of the CBD and a severe weather warning for strong winds and heavy rain had been issued for later today.

“If it’s safe for you to stay in your home, then do so. Look after your neighbours and loved ones and remember there will be aftershocks. Stay vigilant.”
In your local areas check with your local Civil Defence and Emergency Management people.

For earthquakes:
· Expect aftershocks and remember to drop, cover and hold.
· Look after yourself and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.
· Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. Use the stairs, not an elevator and when outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.
· Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
· Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls. Text friends and family to see if they are OK.
· Building assessments should be undertaken before buildings are opened for normal use, particularly in areas which experienced strong shaking and CBD areas of Wellington, Christchurch and Blenheim.

For tsunamis:
· Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
· Stay off beaches and shore areas
· Do not go sightseeing
· Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
· Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
· Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities.

If beach threat is forecasted for your area, take appropriate evasive action
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, local civil defence emergency management authorities and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation.

ends

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