Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand, is home to many South Africans. Image: Adobe Stock

New Zealand tsunami warning following 7,3 magnitude earthquake

The government has ordered in its New Zealand Tsunami warning that evacuation advice overides the current COVID-19 Alert Level requirements.

Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand, is home to many South Africans. Image: Adobe Stock

A “tsunami warning” has been issued for New Zealand after a severe 7.3 magnitude  earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean near East off the Coast of North Island.

New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) issued the official tsunami warning status after the earthquake hit off the coast at about 02:27 New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) on March 5.

Nema issued the tsunami land and marine warning saying that coastal inundation (flooding of land areas) is expected in the areas from the East Coast of the North Island from Cape Runaway to Tolaga Bay.

“Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges near the shore are expected in the following areas. This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities,” Nema said.

The first waves may reach New Zealand in the areas around East Cape at approximately 3:34am (NZST)

“The severity of currents and surges will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect,” Nema said.

“The first wave may not be the largest. Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this warning is cancelled.”

New Zealand tsunami warning check list

Nema advised people living in all New Zealand coastal areas to:

  1. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates, or check www.civildefence.govt.nz
  2. Listen to local Civil Defence authorities and follow any instructions regarding evacuation of your area
  3. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, this includes boats) 
  4. Stay off beaches and shore areas
  5. Do not go sightseeing
  6. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

“Evacuation advice overrides the current COVID-19 Alert Level requirements. Listen to local Civil Defence authorities and follow any instructions regarding evacuation of your area. If you are told to evacuate do not stay at home,” Nema warned.

Nema added that only messages issued by the agency regarding the New Zealand tsunami warning represented the official warning status for New Zealand. 

“Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) messages do not represent the official warning status for New Zealand. This warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by the National Emergency Management Agency,” Nema said.