Tsunami Update 9.20 am 28 February 2010

Initial indication is that some tsunami activity is being registered in the Chatham Islands. The latest information from the Chatham Islands is that the height of the first wave is 20 centimetres above normal sea level. The impact of this is likely to be minimal. After the initial wave, the water level then dropped by a total of around a metre. Further waves are being observed, and are at a similar height, or possibly slightly higher, than the first wave.

Historical information shows that tsunami waves from South America are generally lower in the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch than in the Chatham Islands. The situation will be monitored for the rest of the day, and the situation may change as further information becomes available.

Currently the first recorded wave was 20 centimetres; however subsequent waves may be larger.

This information gives Civil Defence Emergency Management a two hour lead time to manage any necessary evacuations and response throughout the region. Currently, all local authorities have activated their Emergency Operation Centres and are monitoring the situation closely.

Residents are advised to await instructions from their local authorities.