Tsunami warning

crusaderknight

A tsunami warning has been issued for the entire east coast of New Zealand following a massive earthquake in Chile .
Waves of between one and three meters are expected - the first due to hit the Chatham Islands just after 7am Sunday. The first waves may not be the largest and they may continue to arrive for up to six to 12 hours.
Expected wave arrival times for your region
Residents along coastal areas being advised to move to higher ground and stay away from beaches.
People wanting updates about the tsunami warning for New Zealand should not call 111.
Civil Defence Emergency Management National Controller, Alan Walker, says that 111 is not as an information service and should be used only if people need urgent assistance from fire, ambulance or police.
Following are Civil Defence notices that have been issued for specific regions. These will be added to and updated through the morning.
Advertisement



Canterbury
Residents in low lying areas of Banks Peninsula bays are advised to be prepared to evacuate.
People need to be ready to move to safety by 8am and may not be able to return for at least 24 hours.
Detailed evacuation and safety advice will be provided from local Civil Defence. People need to take:

1) Essential medicines, toilet items and baby needs,
2) Important Documents,
3) Radio and torch (with batteries),
4) Emergency bottled water,
5) Extra clothing and footwear.
Northland
People along Northland's east coast are being warned to stay away from beaches and estuaries.
Initial estimates are that a tsunami will reach Northland's east coast about 9.40am Sunday.
Strong tidal surges could also affect harbours throughout the day.
Auckland
The Auckland Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has issued a non-destructive tsunami warning for Auckland region's coastlines. A tsunami is expected to arrive at 10.22am.
Those with plans for water-based activities, including boating, fishing or visiting the beach, today are advised to stay away from the beach, estuaries, low-lying areas (including roads and bridges) marinas and harbours or other waterways for their own safety.
Auckland's Duty Harbourmaster is warning people there may be flooding on Tamaki Drive and the North Western motorway.
Hastings
Coastal residents have been advised to self-evacuate and stay away from beaches.
Police and the fire service are currently door-knocking in the coastal communities of Te Awanga, Haumoana, Clifton and Whirinaki.
Civil Defence volunteers have reported a stream of vehicles heading toward beaches to see the tsunami but authorities are strongly urging people to stay away from the waterfront.
Napier
People are advised to stay away from beaches, stay out of the water (including the sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities) and do not go sightseeing.
Waikato
Residents of the Waikato region's east coast are being urged to stay away from the ocean.
On the east coast the tsunami is expected to primarily present a threat to craft at sea or people in the water as it is anticipated it will be under one metre high at this stage. No evacuations of residents are currently planned.
The tsunami could possibly pose a threat to people and structures on land if it turned out to be higher than expected. Information on the degree of threat on the Waikato's east coast will be updated later on Sunday morning.
Bay of Plenty
People along the Bay of Plenty's coast are being warned to stay away from beaches and estuaries as a tsunami heads towards New Zealand.

Nelson
The tsunami is expected to arrive in the Nelson area at approximately 10.05am - coinciding with high tide at approximately 10.28am. The height of the wave in Nelson-Tasman is unknown, although Tasman Bay and Golden Bay are at a lower risk than other parts of New Zealand.
Generally people in coastal areas should:
1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay away from coastal water, including boating activities, tidal estuaries, lower areas of rivers and streams for at least 24 hours after estimated tsunami arrival time, as even small waves create dangerous currents.
3. Boats are generally safer in water deeper than 20 metres than if they are close to the shore.
4. Do not go sightseeing in coastal areas
5. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
6. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
7. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.