National Warning: Tsunami – Threat to Marine and Beach Areas
 
No:  03 
 
Please see the attached tsuanmi threat map ECET_threatlevelmap_001.pdf

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning (MARINE and BEACH threat) for the North Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. See the attached map for affected areas.
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. 
 
Current assessments indicate that coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected but this assessment may change.  
 
PLEASE BE ADVISED: First tsunami activity waves were detected at approximatley 4:30am, 2 September 2016. Waves were around 30cm and were detected on the East Cape and Great Barrier Island tide gauges. Tsunami waves are expected to be observed for a couple of hours duration, based on current numerical simulations.
 
 
Estimates of expected threat levels are as per the attached map. Waves are anticipated to be between 0.2-1m.
 
  
People in the above coastal areas should:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
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 local civil defence authorities
7. If beach threat is forecasted for your area, take appropriate evasive action (see Marine and Beach threat below) 
PLEASE NOTE: If you feel further earthquake shaking which is too strong to stand-up, or over 1 min in duration, move to higher ground immeadiately.
 
This warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand.  We note the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Threat Message for this event. PTWC messages DO NOT represent the official warning status for New Zealand.

Local civil defence authorities will interpret this information for their areas and advise public action.
 
MCDEM and scientific advisors are continuously monitoring the situation.
 

Note:
Wave amplitudes given indicate the largest expected wave activity at any coastal point in the particular coastal zone and at any time during the entire period this warning is in effect (tsunami activity will vary in a zone and with time; the first wave activity may also not be the largest).
Any given amplitudes do not include the local tidal or sea state at the time of tsunami activity.
Local authorities will determine the implication of the expected wave heights for their areas and will decide on appropriate response actions (e.g. evacuations). Listen or check for this information from your local authority.

More Detail: An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:  
 
Origin time:
16:38 UTC
NZ time:
04:38 NZST
Co-ordinates:
37.5 South 179.2 East
Depth:
31km
Location:
Off the East Coast of the North Island, NZ
Magnitude:
7.1
 
The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.   
 
 
Information for emergency managers:

Note:  The threat levels given in the attachment suggest the largest wave at any coastal point inside the zone.  Waves will vary within the zone, and the first wave may not be the highest. The estimate is for the maximum expected wave amplitude at shore; run-up can be up to twice as high on steep slopes onshore near the coast, i.e. a 5m wave at shore can run up as high as 10m on-land near the shore. The amplitude given does not include the sea state or tidal state at the time of wave arrival.

Local and regional/Group Civil Defence Emergency Management must:

1. Maintain activation of appropriate response coordination arrangements and communication processes
2. Keep potentially at-risk communities informed as appropriate
3. Maintain contact with the NCMC (CDEM Groups only)
4. Stand by for further information.
5. Local CDEM to act in coordination with regional/Group CDEM.

Local emergency services must establish and maintain active response coordination with respective local and regional/Group Civil Defence Emergency Management.

MCDEM has activated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with public broadcasters to broadcast this warning.
 
 
NCMC status:

The National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) is activated. 
General enquiries
(04) 494 6900
Media enquiries
(04) 494 6951
Email
operations@ncmc.govt.nz
Satellite phone
00881 621 465 606

Further information:

Updates will be issued hourly except between 10pm and 5am when updates will only be issued if there is a significant change.
 
 
Useful websites:

http://www.civildefence.govt.
http://www.getthru.govt.nz/
 
 
Issued by
Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management. 
 
End of Message 

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Earlier

National Warning: Tsunami Threat #2
 
No:  02
 
Issued 0558 hours 2 September 2016

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning for East Coast of the North Island (including Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty) and Upper South Island.
Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated at East Cape.  A wave height measuring 30cm was measured at East Cape a short time ago.

The first tsunami activity has arrived.  Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this warning is cancelled.

People in the above/ coastal areas should:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
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 local civil defence authorities 

This warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.
 
Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand.  We note the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Information Statement for this event. PTWC messages do not represent the official warning status for New Zealand.
 
Local civil defence authorities will interpret this information for their areas and advise public action via local radio stations.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

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Earlier

REQUEST FOR THE BROADCAST OF AN EMERGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Tsunami Warning

This is an official request for the broadcast of an Emergency Announcement in accordance with the Memoranda of Understanding between the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management and radio and television broadcasters.
 
0558 hours NZST 02 September 2016

Broadcast priority: 1        An event of life-threatening or national significance.  Broadcast every 15 minutes. 
 
Broadcast Target Areas:     National        
Period of Broadcast:     Immediate

This request for an Emergency Announcement is made by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management National Controller. Before broadcast, this message must be verified by the MCDEM Public Information Manager on 04 494 6951.

Emergency Announcement

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is warning New Zealand coastal communities that a destructive tsunami is possible following a magnitude M7.0 earthquake located off the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand which occurred on 0438 hours NZST 02 September 2016.

A wave measuring 30cm has arrived in New Zealand in the vicinity of the east coast of the North Island.

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.

This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

Local civil defence authorities have been asked to activate local response arrangements and alert potentially at-risk communities as appropriate.

This Emergency Announcement was issued by the Civil Defence Emergency Management National Controller. 

Stay tuned to this station for more information.

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Earlier

National Advisory: Potential Tsunami Threat
 
No:  01
Issued NZDT 05:33 02\09\2016

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a Tsunami Potential Threat advisory in all New Zealand coastal areas including the Chatham Islands.
The Potential Threat advisory will remain in effect until:
It is upgraded to a Tsunami Warning by MCDEM, or
A cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.
MCDEM and scientific advisors are in the process of assessing the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

Meanwhile, people in coastal areas should:
Note that strong tsunami currents and surges are possible
Listen to the radio/TV for further assessment and updates
Follow instructions of their local Civil Defence authorities
 
Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand.  We note the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Information Statement for this event. PTWC messages do not represent the official warning status for New Zealand.

More Detail: An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:  
 
Origin time:
1638 UTC SEP 1 2016
NZ time:
NZST 0438 SEP 02 2016
Co-ordinates:
37.5 SOUTH 179.2 EAST
Depth:
31KM/19 MILES
Location:
OFF EAST COAST OF THE NORTH ISLAND OF NZ
Magnitude:
7.0
 
The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.
    
 
Local and regional/Group Civil Defence Emergency Management must:

1. Activate appropriate response coordination arrangements and communication processes.          
2. Alert potentially at-risk communities as appropriate.
3. Establish contact with the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) once they have activated (CDEM Groups only).
4. Stand by for further information.
5. Local CDEM to act in coordination with regional/Group CDEM.

Local emergency services must establish and maintain active response coordination with respective local and regional/Group Civil Defence Emergency Management.

MCDEM has activated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with public broadcasters to broadcast this advisory.
 
 
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is monitoring the situation

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Earlier

National Advisory: Earthquake 
 

No: 01 

Issued NZST 05:00 Friday 2 Sep 2016
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued an earthquake advisory.  An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
 
NZ time:
NZST 04:38 02/08/2016
Location:
130KM NORTH-EAST OF TE ARAROA
Co-ordinates:
37.01S, 179.63E
Depth (Focal Depth):
55KM
Magnitude:
7.1
 

The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) is assessing information with the assistance of scientific advisors and Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups.

People in the affected area should:

1. Expect aftershocks and remember to drop, cover and hold. 

2. Look after yourself and get first aid if necessary.  Help others if you can. 

3. 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.

4. Look for and extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so.  Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.

5. Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.

6. Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls.

7. Help people who require special assistance – infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities and the people who care for them.

Detailed safety advice will come from local authorities and emergency services in the area.  People should act on it promptly.  MCDEM, local civil defence authorities and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation.

This advisory has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.
 

Information for emergency managers

Local and regional/Group Civil Defence Emergency Management must:

1.    Activate appropriate response coordination arrangements and communication processes.

2.    Establish contact with the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) once they have activated and inform NCMC of actions taken (CDEM Groups only).

3.    Local CDEM must act in coordination with regional/Group CDEM.

4.    Local emergency services must establish and maintain active response coordination with respective local and regional/Group CDEM. 

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is monitoring the situation
 
General enquiries
(04) 494 6900
Media enquiries
(04) 494 6951
Email
operations@ncmc.govt.nz
 

Further updates

This will be the only message issued via the national warning system. Further updates will be issued as information becomes available and will be communicated using normal means, including media releases. 

Useful websites

http://www.civildefence.govt.

http://www.getthru.govt.nz 

Issued by:
Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management. 

End of Message 

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