Tsunami Threat to Hawke's Bay

Emergency response/Current situation.

§ A tsunami warning is in effect for New Zealand, including Hawke's Bay.

§ Following an earthquake of magnitude 8.8 near the coast of Central Chile, wave heights of between 1 and 3 metres are expected to reach New Zealand on Sunday morning.

§ The first waves are expected to reach Napier at 0823 NZDT on Sunday 28 February. The first wave may not be the largest, and strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours.

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.

The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group working with MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the local severity of the threat and its overall impact to New Zealand.

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

5:10am, Sunday 28 February 2010

Tsunami Threat to Hawke’s Bay #02

Emergency response/Current situation

The advice at this stage remains largely the same:

§ A tsunami warning is in effect for New Zealand, including Hawke's Bay.

§ The first wave is due to arrive at Napier at approx 0823 NZDT (at Gisborne approx 0759 NZDT). High Tide at Napier is at 0532 NZDT 1.8m and Low Tide 1151 NZDT 0.1m.

§ Wave heights of up to 1 metre are expected.

§ The first wave may not be the largest, and strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours.

The greatest threat is to large boats at moorings whose owners should move their vessels out to sea by 7am. Small boat owners should not take their boats out.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay away from beaches

2. Stay away from coastal water, including boat ramps and 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.

The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group working with MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the local severity of the threat and its overall impact to New Zealand.

6.45am, Sunday 28 February 2010

 Hawke’s Bay Tsunami Update # 03

Emergency response/Current situation

Following the 8.8 magnitude Chilean tsunami, the advice remains the same but essentially that Hawke’s Bay people should stay away from beaches and estuaries.

§ A tsunami warning is in effect for New Zealand, including Hawke's Bay.

§ The first wave is due to arrive at Napier at approx 8:23am (at Gisborne approx 7:59am); high tide at Napier is at 5:32am and low tide at 11:51am.

§ Wave heights of up to 1 metre are expected.

§ The first wave may not be the largest; strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours.

The greatest threat is to large boats at moorings – boat owners should move their vessels out to sea by 7am. Small boat owners should not take their boats out.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay away from beaches

2. People should not go sightseeing in coastal areas

3. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries) including boat ramps and boating activities

4. Boats are generally safer in water deeper than 30 metres, than if closer to shore.

5. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

6. Listen to the radio or TV for updates

7. Follow the instructions of local Civil Defence.

The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group working with MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the local severity of the threat and its overall impact to New Zealand.

Update to Tsunami Timing

Note the revised timing of the Tsunami’s expected arrival at Napier, now 8.53am; and expected to reach Gisborne at 8.29am.

There is no change to prior messaging.


People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay away from beaches

2. People should not go sightseeing in coastal areas

3. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries) including boat ramps and boating activities

4. Boats are generally safer in water deeper than 30 metres, than if closer to shore.

5. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

6. Listen to the radio or TV for updates

7. Follow the instructions of local Civil Defence.

The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group working with MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the local severity of the threat and its overall impact to New Zealand.

8.45am, Sunday 28 February 2010

Hawke’s Bay Tsunami Update # 04

Emergency response/Current situation

Following the 8.8 magnitude Chilean tsunami, the advice remains the same but essentially that Hawke’s Bay people should stay away from beaches and estuaries for the rest of the day.

§ A tsunami warning is in effect for New Zealand, which includes Hawke's Bay;

§ The first wave is due to arrive at Napier at approx 8:53am (at Gisborne approx 8:29am); high tide at Napier is at 5:32am and low tide at 11:51am;

§ Wave heights of between 30 centimetres and up to 1 metre are expected, with varying lengths of time between the waves;

§ The first wave may not be the largest; strong currents and unusual tidal effects will likely continue for the rest of the day.

Civil Defence officials stress that people in coastal areas should:

1. Stay away from beaches for the rest of the day

2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries) including boat ramps and boating activities

3. Boats are generally safer in water deeper than 30 metres, than if closer to shore.

4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

5. Listen to the radio or TV for updates

6. Follow the instructions of local Civil Defence.

The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group working with MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the local severity of the threat and its overall impact to New Zealand.