Central Hawke’s Bay coastal areas evacuate in response to tsunami threat

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council would like to thank the coastal communities and networks of Central Hawke’s Bay for their cooperation and swift response to requests to evacuate homes  this morning in response to tsunami threats, following a series of earthquakes in the Pacific.

Coastal communities across New Zealand were advised to evacuate, including communities lying in the ‘red zone’ areas of Hawke’s Bay which included the communities of Pourerere, Kairakau, Managakuri, Aramoana, Blackhead, Whangaehu, Te Paerahi and parts of Porangahau residing in the red zone

Communities can now return to their homes as there are no longer any tsunami threats or advisories for Central Hawke’s Bay.

Community networks and contractors on the ground assisted with evacuations and provided safety guidance to residents and visitors.   

The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Emergency Operations Centre was established with regular updates provided on the council’s facebook page www.facebook.com/CHBDistrictCouncil

Mayor Alex Walker says: “I want to acknowledge and thank our communities, and contractors on the ground, for their swift response and cooperation this morning in evacuating our red zone coastal areas. The threat of tsunami should always be treated as serious and our aim was to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our communities.

“If you live on the coast you need to check if you are located in one of the red zones and be prepared to evacuate in the event of a tsunami threat in the future. Remember, if it is long and strong, get gone – don’t wait for official warning on this, act immediately.”

Communities are advised to always follow the council’s facebook page and website www.chbdc.govt.nz for official updates in an emergency situation.

NATIONAL GUIDANCE

The National Emergency Management Agency, the official agency for providing New Zealand tsunami advisories and warnings had assessed the earthquakes which took place on the morning on Friday 5 March 2021, and advised a Beach and Marine Threat to the Hawke's Bay.

11 March 2021

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