Wellington, July 31 (H.S.): New Zealand’s emergency management has issued tsunami activity warnings for coastal areas. Alerts were sent via mobile devices advising avoidance of the sea, beaches, ports, rivers, and bays late Wednesday night . While no evacuation orders are in place, officials caution that strong currents and sudden wave surges may threaten public safety. Although New Zealand is about 6,000 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter, larger waves could still impact the coast. The threat may continue until Thursday afternoon, and authorities emphasize the importance of exercising caution and taking the warnings seriously until official notifications are rescinded.

People are advised to avoid beaches, shorelines, harbors, rivers, estuaries, and the ocean. Boaters and live-aboard residents should stay on land unless instructed otherwise. Observations of tidal gauges indicate strong currents and surges but not unusual activity. An emergency alert startled many Kiwis, while Minister Shane Jones was out of the loop. Nema has extended the tsunami warning until at least 3 PM for the west coast, and indefinitely for the east coast.

The warning is due to ongoing strong and unusual currents, with potential continued threats to east coast areas overnight. The Chatham Islands are expected to experience similar surges. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell addressed the media regarding the situation, emphasizing the critical nature of the alerts sent to mobile phones. He defended the alerts, stating that failing to warn the public could result in loss of life. Mitchell expressed a lack of complacency in his role and asserted the importance of taking threats seriously.

Apologies were made for the disturbance caused by the alerts, but securing public safety is the priority. Additionally, areas from Taranaki to Northland are experiencing heavy showers that may disrupt traffic. It is recommended to drive cautiously due to potential weather-related hazards.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar