GeoNet: Tsunami response

Tsunami advice following the Kamchatka Russia quake

A magnitude 8.8 earthquake occurred off the east coast of Kamchatka Russia at 11:25am today (New Zealand Time). Please check the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management's website for the latest tsunami advice for the New Zealand region.

AREAS UNDER THREAT:

ALL COASTAL AREAS OF THE NORTH ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, THE SOUTH ISLAND, STEWART ISLAND, and the CHATHAM ISLANDS

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN AREAS UNDER THREAT:

STAY OFF THE BEACHES AND SHORE AREAS

People on boats, live-aboards and at marinas should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore. Do not return to boats unless instructed by officials.

NEMA advises that coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected as a result of this event and there is no need to evacuate other areas unless directly advised by local civil defence authorities. NEMA are advising people to:

Move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.
Do not go to the coast to watch the unusual wave activity as there may be dangerous and unpredictable surges.
Listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions.
Share this information with family, neighbours and friends.

Tsunami activity has already reached parts of New Zealand. The first currents and surges are unlikely to be the largest and are expected to continue over many hours. The threat must be regarded as real until this Advisory is cancelled.

This National Advisory has been issued following an assessment of information available. The situation may change as new information becomes available. Listen to the radio or TV for updates, or check www.civildefence.govt.nz

Only messages issued by the National Emergency Management Agency represent the official warning status for New Zealand. We will provide further updates here in accordance with NEMA.

For a local-source tsunami which can arrive in minutes, there is not enough time for an official warning, it is important to recognise the natural warning signs and act quickly. Remember, LONG or STRONG, GET GONE.

If there is earthquake shaking, drop, cover and hold. Protect yourself from the earthquake first, then act as soon as the shaking stops.

If you are near the coast and experience any of the following:
- Feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up, or a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more.
- See a sudden rise or fall in water level.
- Hear loud and unusual noises from the water.

Move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can, out of tsunami evacuation zones. Do not wait for official warnings.

Once you have evacuated, follow official advice from your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group about when it is safe to return to tsunami evacuation zones. Do not return until an official all-clear message is given by Civil Defence Emergency Management.

Know what to do?
NEMA have a great website with information on what to do before, during and after a tsunami. You can also search your address to find out if it is in a tsunami evacuation zone.

Has your property suffered damage?
If you’ve got damage from the recent tsunami, care for your whānau’s safety first, take photos of any damage, and call your private insurer. Find out more about insurance and claims on the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake website.

M8.8 Kamchatka Russia Earthquake - Tsunami activity