article: Sep 30 2007 - No tsunami threat to New Zealand

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake has occurred south of New Zealand. No destructive tsunami is expected.

Map showing the location of the event
(source NOAA).

The event as recorded on the national seismic network.

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake south of New Zealand that was felt widely throughout the lower South Island is not expected to generate a destructive tsunami. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami message indicating that no warning or watch is in force.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management released the following media statement:

Auckland Islands earthquake tsunami watch

A moderate earthquake of between magnitude 7.3 and 7.4 on the Richter scale occurred a short time ago near the Auckland Islands.

The Director of the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, John Hamilton, said that there is nothing yet to suggest that a tsunami of any size has been generated.

GNS Science convened a tsunami expert panel and NIWA scientists are monitoring and assessing information about the earthquake and sea level movements.

As a precaution, the Otago and Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management groups have been advised.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) in Hawaii has stated that there is no risk of a Pacific-wide tsunami but a small local tsunami could in theory be generated.

“We will provide updated information as it becomes available,” Mr Hamilton said.