Photo: USGS / Screenshot
Strong currents and unpredictable surges can be expected in coastal areas around New Zealand after a 8.8 earthquake near Russia, the National Emergency Management Agency says.
All coastal areas around New Zealand are covered by the warning. The surges are expected to reach New Zealand about midnight.
Nema says strong currents and surges can injure and drown people.
They're warning people in or near the sea to move out of the water, off beaches and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries
"People on boats, live-aboards and at marinas should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore," NEMA said.
"Do not return to boats unless instructed by officials.There is no need to evacuate other areas unless directly advised by local civil defence authorities."
The threat of a tsunami was reassessed after the Russian earthquake was upgraded to a magnitude 8.7. It was later upgraded further. The quake struck 74 kilometres deep off the eastern coast of Russia before noon on Wednesday.
Photo: NEMA
NEMA earlier said there was no threat to New Zealand, but the quake was later upgraded to a 8.7 - meaning the threat had to be checked again.
The west, east, and south coasts of the North Island, and west, east, south and top of the South Island were all affected, as were Stewart and Chatham Islands.
NEMA says flooding of land near the shore was not expected. But people in the water or near the shore were told to move.
People should not go to the coast to watch as unusual wave activity could be dangerous, it says.
The strong and unpredictable surges and currents will continue for several hours.
