3pm: Disturbed currents and surges are likely to continue to
affect the Southland coastline for several hours, the
region's group controller cautions. Southland
steps down its tsunami response to a monitoring level.
12:10pm: Dunedin police say people in low-lying coastal areas
may be required to evacuate later today.
"Information suggests that it's possible that larger waves
may hit the coast over the coming hours. The police want to
ensure people will be safe rather than sorry, and ask that
they take sensible precautions," said Dunedin Emergency
Response Commander, Inspector Alastair Dickie.
10.50am: Otago Civil Defence issues alert saying "current
national modelling information indicates the risk to the
Otago coastline of a wave height of less than 1m". However,
strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue over
the next 12 hours.
10am: The Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
has activated the emergency operations centre but says any
tidal change for Southland will be non destructive.
All residents are urged to stay off the beaches and out of
the water until advised that the risk of a tsunami and strong
currents has passed.
9am: Dunedin police close city beaches. Police are patrolling
some beaches and are asking that people cancel any planned
water activities.
8.30am: Warrington beach and camping area on Warrington
Domain evacuated. Lifeguards declare 'no swimming' status for
the day.
8am: Dunedin Civil defence chief Neil Brown tells the Otago
Daily Times there is no threat to the city after a massive
earthquake in Chile triggered Pacific tsunami warnings.
"I would be very surprised if anything was noted on the
shoreline here. From very early on it was obvious the risk
to Dunedin was nil," Mr Brown said.
7am: Hampden campers evacuate themselves from camping ground.
3.30am: Taieri Mouth commercial fisherman Gary Homan receives
warnings about a possible tsunami. He drives to the wharf at
Taieri Mouth to tie up his fishing trawler with stronger
ropes.
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