Media Release 5
8 October 2009
1430

Potential Tsunami Threat to New Zealand

The National Advisory- Potential Threat for New Zealand remains in force, and represents the official status for New Zealand.

The threat assessment as provided earlier remains. It is not expected to be destructive for New Zealand however we still advise people on the West Coast from North Cape to Hokitika and on the East Coast from North Cape to Auckland to use extreme caution on beaches and stay out of the water. For other areas people should be vigilant around coastal areas.

Effective immediately, strong currents associated with the arrival of the tsunami will begin to affect New Zealand coastal waters, with a peak not expected until at least 8pm. Areas that are particularly prone to late strong currents are the west coast of the South Island, between Hokitika and Karamea, and the Northland region of the North Island.

Useful websites:

http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-7GZVAT?OpenDocument

http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/

www.geonet.org.nz/tsunami

ENDS

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