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).
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.
The event as recorded on the national seismic network.
