9.20 AM
30 September 2009

The North Shore City Council is passing on advice from the Ministry of Civil Defence advising North Shore residents to keep off the beaches for the next hour.

Although the Ministry of Civil Defence is not predicting a major event in New Zealand, sensible precautions should be taken in the light of this morning’s tsunami alert.

According to information received by the Ministry, a tsunami of 1.5m was generated in Samoa as a result of a 8.3 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Samoa.

Waves can be expected to be smaller in New Zealand, estimated at 1m at the East Coast and Bay of Plenty.

Wave heights outside of these regions will be advised as soon as possible, but it is unlikely that territorial authorities will need to expect a wave of any height greater than 1m.

The Ministry advises that areas of concern in New Zealand are Northland, the Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty and the East Coast north of Gisborne. The threat is in particular to people in small boats and on the beaches.

Ministry advisory below:

Approx. expected arrival:

1015 North / 1045 City on Wednesday 30 September 2009

The Auckland Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group advises that a tsunami warning is in place for the Auckland regional coastline.

People need to:

• Turn on their radios and listen to advice from civil defence emergency management
• Stay off beaches until cancellation of the warning
• Do not go out on the water until cancellation of the warning

Detailed advice will come from local authorities and emergency services in the area. People should act on it promptly. If told to evacuate they should, where possible, take a radio and cellphone with them and check for updates.

The Group Controller of the Auckland Region Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group, Harry O’Rourke said that the Auckland Group Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and is working with councils, local emergency services and the media.

GNS Science has convened the tsunami expert panel and all available New Zealand and international data about the earthquake and sea levels will continue to be monitored and analysed.

The Auckland Group Emergency Operations Centre will release further information as soon as it becomes available.

The warning follows an earthquake at:

Location Samoa Islands Region
Local time 1748Z 29 Sept 2009
NZ Origin time 0648 NZDT 30 SEPT 2009
Co-ordinates 15.3 SOUTH 171.0 WEST
Depth 33 KM
Magnitude * 8.3
* The above magnitude is provisional and may be adjusted as more seismic data becomes available.

Useful websites:
www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz
www.civildefence.govt.nz
www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/
http://www.getthru.govt.nz/What-to-do-in-a-tsunami.72.0.html

The following list of suggested emergency items is from the Get Thru website, http://www.getthru.govt.nz/Emergency-Survival-Items.57.0.html

Emergency items
• Torch with spare batteries
• Radio with spare batteries (check all batteries every 3 months)
• A change of clothes for all family members (wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats, and strong outdoor shoes)
• First aid kit and essential medicines
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Pet supplies
• Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
• Face and dust masks
Food and water for at least three days
• Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)
• Bottled water (at least 3 litres per person, per day for drinking)
• Plan how to get water for washing and cooking (check your hot water cylinder, pond, toilet cistern if it is free of chemicals)
• Click here for tips on storing water
• A primus or gas barbeque to cook on
• A can opener
• Check and replace food and water every twelve months.
Supplies for babies and small children
• Food, formula and drink
• Change of clothing and nappies
• Toys or favourite activity

ENDS

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