Auckland: The earthquake off the Chilean coast has generated a tsunami that is now beginning to reach the eastern coast of New Zealand. A 40cm high surge of water was recorded at Gisborne a short while ago. Pitt Island in the Chathams has also been hit by a 1.5 metre high wave.
Napier, Castlepoint, Tauranga and North Cape tsunami indicators are showing signs that surges of water are reaching mainland New Zealand. The entire east coast has been put on a tsunami alert, the new Zealand Herald has reported.
New Zealand's entire east coast is at risk over the next 24 hours and citizens have been asked to avoid all beaches on this fine Sunday.
In Auckland, ferry services have been reported suspended and a berthed cruise liner has been evacuated.
"It is expected that the greatest wave heights will occur between six and 12 hours after the initial arrivals," the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management said in a statement on Sunday.
Residents on the Chatham Islands had been moved to higher ground several hours before the first wave struck and residents in low-lying areas of Banks Peninsula had been told to be prepared to evacuate. Evacuation measures have been put in place in several areas along the eastern coast of New Zealand, particularly in the Banks Peninsula where residents have been advised not to return for at least 24 hours.
Following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, residents in low lying areas of Banks Peninsula bays have been advised to evacuate.
The first wave has reached the Chatham Islands, after a massive earthquake hit Chile overnight. The wave measured 20cm, according to GNS Science, but authorities warn that preceding waves could be higher.
People need to be ready to move to safety by 8.00am and may not be able to return for at least 24 hours. Detailed evacuation and safety advice will be provided from local Civil Defence. People need to take:
• Essential medicines, toilet items and baby needs,
• Important Documents,
• Radio and torch (with batteries),
• Emergency bottled water,
• Extra clothing and footwear.
Residents in all coastal areas, particularly Christchurch suburbs around the estuary and Banks Peninsula communities, should:
1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing – people gathering at beaches will be moved on
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to official radio and/or TV stations for updates (emergency radio stations are listed at the back of the Yellow Pages)
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.
7. Farmers are advised to move stock to higher ground.
Tide levels for Canterbury are as follows:
Christchurch (New Brighton) 0905 NZDT 28 February 2010
Timaru 0837 NZDT 28 February 2010
The low tide in Canterbury coinciding with the first arrival time of the tsumani waves will allow for continual assessment of the need for managed evacuations. It has been confirmed that a tsunami has been generated and the first wave is expected to arrive in New Zealand in the areas around the Chatham Islands at approximately 07:05 am 28 February 2010.
In Canterbury, the wave is expected to arrive at 8.30 a.m. near to low tide. The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. Water levels will continue to fluctuate during the day. We will be monitoring the situation throughout the day. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
For further information contact Jon Mitchell, Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller, 0272 080 374 or Sara McBride at 021-928-908.
Estimated arrival times of waves at places in New Zealand:
Chatham Islands (Kaingaroa) 07.22
Chatham Islands (Waitangi) 07.05
North Cape 08.54
Whangarei 09.15
Auckland (North Head) 10.22
Mt Maunganui 08.34
East Cape 07.54
Gisborne 07.59
New Plymouth 10.56
Napier 08.23
Wanganui 09.49
Wellington 08.25
Nelson 10.05
Marlborough Sounds (Tory Channel) 08.38
Westport 10.08
Greymouth 09.50
Christchurch (New Brighton) 09.05
Timaru 08.37
Milford Sound 09.05
Dunedin 08.29
Bluff 08.58
Stewart Island 09.21