Due to the 8.8 magnitude earthquake at Chile on Saturday night and tsunami warning from Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, residents in low lying areas of Banks Peninsula bays are advised to be prepared to evacuate. People need to be ready to move to safety by 8.00am and may not be able to return for at least 24 hours. Detailed evacuation and safety advice will be provided from local Civil Defence. People need to take:
- Essential medicines, toilet items and baby needs,
- Important Documents,
- Radio and torch (with batteries),
- Emergency bottled water,
- Extra clothing and footwear.
Residents in all coastal areas, particularly Christchurch suburbs around the estuary and Banks Peninsula communities, should:
- Stay off beaches
- Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
- Do not go sightseeing – people gathering at beaches will be moved on
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
- Listen to official radio and/or TV stations for updates (emergency radio stations are listed at the back of the Yellow Pages)
- Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.
- Farmers are advised to move stock to higher ground.
Tide levels for Canterbury are as follows:
| Christchurch (New Brighton) |
0905 NZDT 28 February 2010 |
| Timaru |
0837 NZDT 28 February 2010 |
The low tide in Canterbury coinciding with the first arrival time of the tsunami waves will allow for continual assessment of the need for managed evacuations. It has been confirmed that a tsunami has been generated and the first wave is expected to arrive in New Zealand in the areas around the Chatham Islands at approximately 07:05 am 28 February 2010.
In Canterbury, the wave is expected to arrive at 8.30 a.m. near to low tide. The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. Water levels will continue to fluctuate during the day. We will be monitoring the situation throughout the day. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
For further information contact Jon Mitchell, Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller, 0272 080 374 or Sara McBride at 021-928-908.