Tsunami warning cancelled

A Northland-wide tsunami warning issued after an early morning earthquake off the Kermadec Islands today has been lifted – but Northlanders are still being warned to watch for unusual tidal conditions throughout today.

An estimated 7.8 magnitude earthquake off the Kermadec Islands just after 7am today prompted the tsunami warning and tsunami sirens around Northland were activated as a precaution.

Graeme MacDonald, Group Controller for the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, says after further advice from official scientific advisors, that warning has now been cancelled.

However, he says the earthquake’s effects may still be felt around the Northland coast today, especially in places like the Tutukaka Harbour, which have experienced unusual tidal surges and conditions during similar events previously.

Mr MacDonald says as a precaution, Northlanders in coastal areas are advised to stay off beaches and out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries) - this includes boating activities.