Tsunami Warning – Threat to Napier

There is a tsunami risk to Napier from the 8.8 earthquake that occurred near the coast of Central Chile at 1934NZDT on 27 February 2010.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has issued a tsunami warning to the east coast of New Zealand and Napier Civil Defence has activated its Emergency Operations Centre to monitor the situation.

Information from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre is that the earthquake has generated a tsunami. A wave measuring 2.34 metres was measured at Talcahuano, Chile.

Based on preliminary modelling and comparison with historical events the interpretation of the Tsunami Experts Panel is that a marine threat (i.e. threat to beach and small boats corresponding to wave heights less than 1 metre) exists for the entire east coasts of the North and South Island from Puysegur around to Cape Reinga and extending south to Ahipara. Some land threat also exists for the Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula i.e. wave heights between 1 and 3 metres. There may be some small observable sea level changes on parts of the west coast of both islands.

Wave heights refer to maximum water level relative to the normal sea level at the beach. This does not take tides into account. Based on historical events it is expected that the greatest wave heights will occur between 6 and 12 hours after the initial arrivals.

Napier Civil Defence Manager Angela Reade says that Police, Fire Service, Ministry of Health and Mayor have been alerted.

Napier Civil Defence is working with local emergency services and local media to warn and if necessary evacuate coastal areas at risk.

People should act promptly when given detailed evacuation advice from Napier Civil Defence staff. 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.

The earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
Origin time:
0634Z 27 FEB 2010
NZ time:
1934 NZDT 27 FEB 2010
Co-ordinates:
36.1 SOUTH 72.6 WEST
Depth:
55 KM
Location:
NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE
Magnitude:
8.8


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

Napier Civil Defence will release further information as soon as it becomes available.

Tsunami Warning Update – Threat to Napier


A tsunami warning remains in place for Napier after the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred near the coast of Central Chile at 1934NZDT on 27 February 2010.

The first surge is expected to reach Napier’s coast at 8.53am, with others anticipated throughout the day.

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. People are asked to share information with family, neighbours and friends, listen to the radio, watch the TV for updates and follow instructions from Civil Defence and emergency services.

Napier Civil Defence will release further information as soon as it becomes available.