Tsunami Warning - New warning issued after smaller earthquake

by From NZ Ministry of Civil Defence - edited by SW on 13 Nov 2016

Damage to infrastructure following eathquake on 14 Nov 16 near Kaikoura coast New Zealand Defence Force

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has cancelled the original tsunami warning for Eastern coast of North and South Island including the Chatham Islands at 0132hrs NZT, and but have issued a new one after a 5.6 magnitude earthquake near Hamner Springs.

The have been two deaths (one from a heart attack) as a result of the first earthquake. There is still the possibility of further shockwaves or new earthquakes. To track quake locations and severity click here. For further information listen to Radio NZ or monitor this site.

The power of the earthquake has been put at 30 times that of the devastating Christchurch earthquake, which caused 120 deaths on Feb 22, 2011. The current earthquake was centred out to sea and had less impact than the February 2011 quake which was centred on Christchurch and much shallower. Wellington seems to have been the worst hit city with significant areas closed pending damage assessment. There appear to have been no building collapses in Wellington.

At least one house collapsed in Kaikoura with a 100year old woman being pulled from the wreckage, her son was killed in the house.

The Clarence River was blocked by a slip triggered by the earthquake. That slip dam has now been breached and a big volume of water is moving down the river. Those in the area and downstream have been urged to move to higher ground.

Damage to infrastructure following eathquake on 14 Nov 16 near Kaikoura coast © New Zealand Defence Force

Current position - Monday 14 Nov - 03.15pm

A tsunami is possible following the 5.6M earthquake 20km south-east of Seddon. People near the eastern coast of the south island should immediately move to high ground or inland as far as possible.

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has cancelled the tsunami warning in place for Wellington to Banks Peninsula. Based on all available data, the tsunami threat has now passed. However, coasts may still experience unusual, strong currents and sea level fluctuations lasting for several more hours. People are advised to stay vigilant in and around coastal waters.

Click see more details click here

The earlier wave height map: