Civil Defence issues tsunami warning

NZ Civil Defence has issued a tsunami warning following 8.2M quake off the coast of Southern Mexico. Photo: Twitter/@nzcivildefence

NZ Civil Defence has issued a tsunami warning.

A beach and marine tsunami threat warning is in effect for Chatham Islands, Pegasus Bay, Northern Coasts of Hawke's Bay and East Cape following the 8.2M earthquake near Chiapas Mexico.

Whilst initial assessment was that there was no tsunami threat, further modelling showed that a beach and marine threat does exists for the above areas.

Unusually strong and hazardous currents and unpredictable surges are expected near the shore. This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities.

The severity of currents and surges will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect.

Coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected but this assessment may change.

There is no need to evacuate.

The first tsunami activity is expected to reach in the areas around Chatham Islands and East Cape at approximately 0700 hours 09 September 2017 NZST. This may be later and the first activity may not be the most significant. Strong currents and surges will continue for up to 24 hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this warning is cancelled.

People in coastal areas should:

-Follow instructions of local civil defence emergency management authorities

-Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)

-Stay off beaches and shore areas

-Not go sightseeing

-Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

-Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates

The map shows the expected largest wave at any coastal point inside the zone. Waves will vary within the zone, and the first wave may not be the highest. The estimate is for the maximum expected wave amplitude at shore; run-up can be up to twice as high on steep slopes onshore near the coast, i.e. a 5m wave at shore can run up as high as 10m on-land near the shore. The amplitude given does not include the sea state or tidal state at the time of wave arrival.

The 8.4 magnitude earthquake struck 75 miles off the Pacific coast of southern Mexico. Photo:Twitter/@ABC.

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