Waikato Civil Defence chairman comments on tsunami response

Waikato Civil Defence and Emergency Management chairman Peter Lee says regional officials have responded well to today’s tsunami alert.

The Waikato CDEM Group and its three three regional emergency operating areas (Thames Valley, Waikato Valley and Southern) were alerted around 8am to the threat.

“Thames Valley, which covers the Coromandel coast, and Waikato Valley, which covers the west coast, both formally activated,” said Mr Lee.

“On the Coromandel, Civil Defence got emergency services to alert people in low-lying areas to the need to shift to higher ground, while similar measures were undertaken on the west coast. Sirens were also used at various harbours to alert people.

“The regional Waikato CDEM Group operation based at Environment Waikato issued regular updates urging people in low-lying coastal areas to shift to higher ground, and to listen to radio stations for more information.”

Mr Lee said that, while the formal tsunami warning had been scaled back and people advised they could return to home or work in low-lying areas, there was still a potential threat from possible tsunami.

“People need to remain on the alert and be prepared to take appropriate action if the situation changes. We advise people to monitor news services for the latest information.

“It’s events like these that show how important thorough Civil Defence planning and systems are. We all need to be well prepared for when disaster strikes.”

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is still advising people to stay clear of beaches (as at 1.30pm).