Tsunami advisory cancelled

A tsunami advisory issued after an early morning earthquake off the Kermadec Islands today has been cancelled – but Northlanders are still being warned to watch for unusual tidal conditions throughout today.

An estimated 7.4 magnitude earthquake off the Kermadec Islands just before 7am today prompted a tsunami advisory to be issued for New Zealand by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

Graeme MacDonald, Group Controller for the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, says after further advice from official scientific advisors, that advisory has now been cancelled.

However, he says the earthquake’s effects may still be felt around the Northland coast today, especially in places like the Tutukaka Harbour, which have experienced unusual tidal surges and conditions during similar events previously.

Mr MacDonald advises caution for swimmers, divers and recreational boat users due to abnormally strong currents that may be experienced around Northland.