State of emergency declared for Dunedin

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning land threat from the East Cape to Southland including Wellington and the Chatham Islands. There is a beach and marine threat for the remainder of New Zealand.

South Dunedin residents do not need to evacuate.

However, with high tide at 3.15am, as a precaution Dunedin CDEM is evacuating parts low lying coastal communities including Waikouaiti, Karitane, Waitati, Warrington Domain, Long Beach, Aramoana, Harwood/Harrington Point, Hoopers Inlet, Tomahawk, and Ocean View/Brighton.

Emergency services are altering people in these areas to the threat, and anyone anxious should self-evacuate to higher ground immediately.

All people should:

1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities

The first tsunami wave activity has been detected in the areas around Kaikoura and Wellington. The first wave activity may not be the most significant. Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this warning is cancelled.

Areas under ‘Marine and Beach Threat’ can expect unusually strong currents and unpredictable water flows near the shore. This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities. The severity of currents and changing water flows will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect.

Areas under ‘Marine and Land Threat’ can also expect a threat of coastal inundation to land areas near the shore. Current assessments indicate that wave amplitudes of up to 2 m can be expected in some areas.

This warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.