Tsunami expected in Northland

People along Northland’s coast are being warned to stay away from beaches and estuaries after confirmation a tsunami is headed our way after an early morning earthquake off the Kermadec Islands today.

The Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group says an estimated 7.8 magnitude earthquake off the Kermadec Islands just after 7am today has prompted the tsunami warning and tsunami sirens around Northland are being activated as a precaution.

Graeme MacDonald, Group Controller for the Northland CDEM Group, says at this stage a ‘marine threat’ for Northland has been issued with the tsunami expected to reach North Cape just before 9am.

He says the predicted size of the tsunami is not yet available, however, a ‘marine threat’ means the tsunami’s effects should be limited to coastal areas close to the shore.

However, as a precaution, Mr MacDonald says Northlanders in coastal areas should:

Stay off beaches
Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries) - this includes boating activities
Not go sightseeing
Share information in this media release with family, neighbours and friends
Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
Follow any instructions from their local Civil Defence authorities

Mr MacDonald says Civil Defence, local authority, police and fire officials will be monitoring the situation closely and the Northland CDEM Group will release new information as it comes to hand. Information will also be available from the Northland Regional Council website www.nrc.govt.nz/civildefence

He says people should also turn on their radios and listen to the advice/updates from Civil Defence. Local stations include:

More FM: 91.6FM Whangarei & Kaitaia / 92FM Bay of Islands

Classic Hits: 95.6FM Whangarei / 106.1FM BOI / 96.4FM Far and Mid-North

National Radio: 837AM & 104.4FM Whangarei / 837AM & 101.1FM Kaitaia / 981AM & 101.5FM Kaikohe / 981AM & 101.1FM Opononi

Newstalk ZB: 1026AM Whangarei & Far North / 1215AM Mid-North

Radio Live: 90.8 FM Whangarei / 100.7FM Mid-North

People can also check their nearest local radio station frequency –which may have changed in mid 2010 to comply with government broadcasting regulations - via: http://www.frequencyfinder.co.nz/