Media Release 30 September 2009
1618 hours

Cancellation of Potential Tsunami Threat Advisory

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management has now confirmed that there is no further tsunami risk to New Zealand from the 8.3 earthquake that occurred in the Samoa Islands region this morning.

The Ministry’s Director, John Hamilton, said that scientific advice indicates no further tsunami threat exists for New Zealand coastlines as a result of this morning's earthquake near Samoa. Wave activity around New Zealand is expected to continue but to decline in height over the next few hours. There is still a likelihood of strong currents in coastal areas. Beach areas should now be safe, however people should remain alert for unusual sea activity."

The National Crisis Management Centre will stand down at 1700 hours today.

ENDS

Useful websites:
http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-7GZVAT?OpenDocument
http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
www.geonet.org.nz/tsunami/

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