Tsunami warning continues as higher waves reach NZ

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management has issued a tsunami warning for the Chatham Islands, Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne, Napier/Hastings, Christchurch North, Banks Peninsula and Mid to South Canterbury.

The Eastern areas of New Zealand – as highlighted in this Civil Defence graphic – are most at risk of tidal surges.

They’re continuing to warn people in coastal areas to keep away from the water, including rivers, estuaries and beaches.

Gisborne Civil Defence says a wave height of 30-40cm is expected to reach East Cape just after midnight.

The first waves have been anticipated to hit the Chatham Islands at about eleven p.m. on Thursday and the mainland simply after midnight on Friday they usually might proceed for a number of hours.

Civil Defence said the activity, which could intensify, may continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until the tsunami warning was cancelled. In the northern Chathams, wave heights were likely to be toward the higher end of the band. The inundation would likely be similar to a king tide or storm surge at worst.

“The notices are going out to individuals, firstly it’s to all the boaties that must moored around the landmasses, on the off chance that they do have the chance before dull to check their moorings”.

A tsunami warning is unlikely to result in problems for Otago’s residents but marine users need to be cautious in coastal waters this morning, Dunedin’s civil defence authority says.

“Strong currents and unusual tidal action is expected over the coming days”, said emergency manager Louise Bennett.

“Historically, the first waves have not been the largest, and the same may be true for this event, ” the ministry said.

They have additionally been warned towards sightseeing.

Hazardous tsunami waves from the quake are possible along the coasts of Chile and Peru over the next several hours, the centre said.

Mr Bayley said with the bigger waves because of touch base amidst the night, it was unrealistic to have an enormous effect on individuals in New Zealand – yet that the individuals who had their pontoons tied up at moorings could see the ascent in water levels. Let us know what you’re experiencing. Listen or check for this information from your local authority.