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New Zealand earthquake: evacuations as tsunami heads for east coast – live New Zealand earthquake: evacuations as tsunami heads for east coast – live
(35 minutes later)
4.58pm GMT
16:58
Our reporter in New Zealand, Eleanor Ainge Roy, says it may be a couple of hours until we get more details on casualties as roads to some of the worst hit areas are impassable.
4.39pm GMT4.39pm GMT
16:3916:39
Wellington City Council has asked workers based in the city centre to stay at home today “owing to potential damage to buildings and disruptions to public transport.”Wellington City Council has asked workers based in the city centre to stay at home today “owing to potential damage to buildings and disruptions to public transport.”
Wellington Regional Civil Defence Controller Bruce Pepperell says early indications are that a number of major buildings are showing “signs of structural stress” and that the strong quake will likely have caused a mess and disruption inside some buildings – particularly on higher floors.Wellington Regional Civil Defence Controller Bruce Pepperell says early indications are that a number of major buildings are showing “signs of structural stress” and that the strong quake will likely have caused a mess and disruption inside some buildings – particularly on higher floors.
4.08pm GMT4.08pm GMT
16:0816:08
First casualties confirmedFirst casualties confirmed
Our reporter on the ground in New Zealand, Eleanor Ainge Roy, says the country’s Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has just confirmed the first casualties from the earthquake in the town of Kaikoura, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.Our reporter on the ground in New Zealand, Eleanor Ainge Roy, says the country’s Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has just confirmed the first casualties from the earthquake in the town of Kaikoura, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
She is trying to get more details.She is trying to get more details.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.08pm GMTat 4.08pm GMT
3.44pm GMT3.44pm GMT
15:4415:44
After shocks, some of them powerful, are still hitting New Zealand according to monitor Geonet.After shocks, some of them powerful, are still hitting New Zealand according to monitor Geonet.
M5.3 quake causing strong shaking near Seddon https://t.co/A5cJYhTTAJM5.3 quake causing strong shaking near Seddon https://t.co/A5cJYhTTAJ
3.26pm GMT3.26pm GMT
15:2615:26
Here is the latest release from New Zealand’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management:Here is the latest release from New Zealand’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management:
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning (marine and land threat) from East Cape to Southland, including Wellington (which also includes the Cook Straight area), Marlborough Sounds/Tasman Bay and the Chatham Islands, and a marine threat for all other New Zealand coastal areas.The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning (marine and land threat) from East Cape to Southland, including Wellington (which also includes the Cook Straight area), Marlborough Sounds/Tasman Bay and the Chatham Islands, and a marine threat for all other New Zealand coastal areas.
Areas under ‘Marine and Land Threat’ can also expect a threat of coastal inundation to land areas near the shore. Current assessments indicate that waves of up to 3-5 metres along the coastlines closest to the earthquake epicentre (estimated from Blenheim to Banks Peninsula, and also including the Chatham Islands) can be expected in some areas (see attached map).Areas under ‘Marine and Land Threat’ can also expect a threat of coastal inundation to land areas near the shore. Current assessments indicate that waves of up to 3-5 metres along the coastlines closest to the earthquake epicentre (estimated from Blenheim to Banks Peninsula, and also including the Chatham Islands) can be expected in some areas (see attached map).
The remainder of the east coast can expect waves of up to 1-3 metres. Areas under ‘Marine and Beach Threat’ can expect unusually strong currents and unpredictable water flows near the shore.The remainder of the east coast can expect waves of up to 1-3 metres. Areas under ‘Marine and Beach Threat’ can expect unusually strong currents and unpredictable water flows near the shore.
This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities. The severity of currents and changing water flows will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect.This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities. The severity of currents and changing water flows will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect.
People in the all coastal areas should: 1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities) 2. Stay off beaches and shore areas 3. Do not go sightseeing 4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends 5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates 6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities 7. If a land threat is forecasted for your area, take appropriate evasive action.People in the all coastal areas should: 1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities) 2. Stay off beaches and shore areas 3. Do not go sightseeing 4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends 5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates 6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities 7. If a land threat is forecasted for your area, take appropriate evasive action.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.05pm GMTat 4.05pm GMT
3.09pm GMT3.09pm GMT
15:0915:09
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
I’m now handing over this live blog to colleagues in London, who will continue to update the story as it unfolds.I’m now handing over this live blog to colleagues in London, who will continue to update the story as it unfolds.
2.56pm GMT2.56pm GMT
14:5614:56
At least 45 aftershocksAt least 45 aftershocks
There have been at least 45 aftershocks since the first 7.5 magnitude quake shook New Zealand awake shortly after midnight.There have been at least 45 aftershocks since the first 7.5 magnitude quake shook New Zealand awake shortly after midnight.
Of these aftershocks, Geonote, the New Zealand monitor, has recorded five severe quakes, ranging from magnitude 5.6 to 7.5; and nine further quakes registered as “strong”.Of these aftershocks, Geonote, the New Zealand monitor, has recorded five severe quakes, ranging from magnitude 5.6 to 7.5; and nine further quakes registered as “strong”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.56pm GMTat 2.56pm GMT
2.46pm GMT2.46pm GMT
14:4614:46
Towards Cheviot, close to the epicentre of the first, largest quake, roads have suffered damage and there have been landslides:Towards Cheviot, close to the epicentre of the first, largest quake, roads have suffered damage and there have been landslides:
More damage along Leader Road, just inland of SH1 #eqnz pic.twitter.com/reTkq2k4WrMore damage along Leader Road, just inland of SH1 #eqnz pic.twitter.com/reTkq2k4Wr
Huge slip blocking 100 metres of Inland Kaikoura Road, north of Cheviot. Completely impassable #eqnz pic.twitter.com/BX581HaQCuHuge slip blocking 100 metres of Inland Kaikoura Road, north of Cheviot. Completely impassable #eqnz pic.twitter.com/BX581HaQCu
2.41pm GMT2.41pm GMT
14:4114:41
At the moment, we do not have confirmation of any injuries.At the moment, we do not have confirmation of any injuries.
But my colleague Eleanor Ainge Roy reports from New Zealand that news is starting to circulate of possible injuries as a result of the quake.But my colleague Eleanor Ainge Roy reports from New Zealand that news is starting to circulate of possible injuries as a result of the quake.
A building is reported to have collapsed in Kaikoura, with residents not yet accounted for.A building is reported to have collapsed in Kaikoura, with residents not yet accounted for.
Reports are sketchy because telecommunications to the town are cut as a result of quake damage.Reports are sketchy because telecommunications to the town are cut as a result of quake damage.
There are also reports of major damage to roads and infrastructure in Kaikoura.There are also reports of major damage to roads and infrastructure in Kaikoura.
St John ambulance services are reporting some injuries, and additional helicopters and paramedics have been called up.St John ambulance services are reporting some injuries, and additional helicopters and paramedics have been called up.
2.35pm GMT2.35pm GMT
14:3514:35
First tsunami waves arriveFirst tsunami waves arrive
NZ civil defence says the first waves have arrived “but may not be the largest”. It says the threat – and the waves – could continue for some hours.NZ civil defence says the first waves have arrived “but may not be the largest”. It says the threat – and the waves – could continue for some hours.
The tsunami threat is for the entire NZ coastline. Stay off beaches. First waves have arrived but may not be the largest. pic.twitter.com/dVLM2w5PxyThe tsunami threat is for the entire NZ coastline. Stay off beaches. First waves have arrived but may not be the largest. pic.twitter.com/dVLM2w5Pxy
It has warned that coastlines closest to the epicentre can expect waves up to 3-5m higher than normal. This covers Blenheim to the Banks peninsula, as well as the Chatham Islands, the dark blue areas shown on the map.It has warned that coastlines closest to the epicentre can expect waves up to 3-5m higher than normal. This covers Blenheim to the Banks peninsula, as well as the Chatham Islands, the dark blue areas shown on the map.
It warns that the rest of the east coast can also expect increased waves of 1-3m higher than usual.It warns that the rest of the east coast can also expect increased waves of 1-3m higher than usual.
People in all coastal areas are warned to stay away from beaches and out of the water.People in all coastal areas are warned to stay away from beaches and out of the water.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.36pm GMTat 2.36pm GMT
2.30pm GMT2.30pm GMT
14:3014:30
Eleanor Ainge RoyEleanor Ainge Roy
Simon Morton and his family were woken by the “super slow roller” quake just after midnight. Morton and his wife Jo live in the seaside Wellington suburb of Lyall Bay – just seven to eight metres from the sea.Simon Morton and his family were woken by the “super slow roller” quake just after midnight. Morton and his wife Jo live in the seaside Wellington suburb of Lyall Bay – just seven to eight metres from the sea.
Morton made the immediate decision to evacuate his family to higher ground and packed the family in his truck and drove them to View Street, nearly 80m above sea level.Morton made the immediate decision to evacuate his family to higher ground and packed the family in his truck and drove them to View Street, nearly 80m above sea level.
After 40 minutes and no further serious activity, Morton and his family returned to their home. Just as he was getting into bed Morton noticed the tide was the lowest he had ever seen. His wife Jo said it was “very weird” and the couple made the decision to again evacuate.After 40 minutes and no further serious activity, Morton and his family returned to their home. Just as he was getting into bed Morton noticed the tide was the lowest he had ever seen. His wife Jo said it was “very weird” and the couple made the decision to again evacuate.
The family are now on View Street where they have been joined by a steady stream of cars – he estimates as many as 60-100.The family are now on View Street where they have been joined by a steady stream of cars – he estimates as many as 60-100.
People have brought their cats and dogs and are sharing food and drink. Morton described the atmosphere as “super friendly”. At the moment, most evacuees on View Street plan to remain there till dawn and then make a decision about returning to their homes.People have brought their cats and dogs and are sharing food and drink. Morton described the atmosphere as “super friendly”. At the moment, most evacuees on View Street plan to remain there till dawn and then make a decision about returning to their homes.
2.25pm GMT2.25pm GMT
14:2514:25
As instructed, many residents of Wellington are currently heading to higher ground. It’s currently 3.25am.As instructed, many residents of Wellington are currently heading to higher ground. It’s currently 3.25am.
Queues of cars heading up Mount Victoria in Wellington. pic.twitter.com/EwAIG8FpWkQueues of cars heading up Mount Victoria in Wellington. pic.twitter.com/EwAIG8FpWk
In Christchurch, emergency accommodation is being set up for those who need to leave their homes:In Christchurch, emergency accommodation is being set up for those who need to leave their homes:
🚨 CHCH - Linwood College at 85 Aldwins Rd has been set up for over night accomodation if you can not find relatives to stay with. #EQNZ🚨 CHCH - Linwood College at 85 Aldwins Rd has been set up for over night accomodation if you can not find relatives to stay with. #EQNZ
2.19pm GMT2.19pm GMT
14:1914:19
This map provided by New Zealand civil defence shows the areas most threatened by tsunamis: the darker blue lines indicate those most vulnerable, which includes the Chatham Islands.This map provided by New Zealand civil defence shows the areas most threatened by tsunamis: the darker blue lines indicate those most vulnerable, which includes the Chatham Islands.
New Zealand’s coast from Christchurch up to Wellington is considered at greatest risk, though people right along the east coast are being advised to seek high ground, and residents across the whole of the country are being advised to avoid beaches and coastal areas.New Zealand’s coast from Christchurch up to Wellington is considered at greatest risk, though people right along the east coast are being advised to seek high ground, and residents across the whole of the country are being advised to avoid beaches and coastal areas.
Highest waves are expected between Marlborough and Banks Peninsula. There is a threat for all NZ coast. Stay off beaches. #eqnz pic.twitter.com/bkEbyKkCsdHighest waves are expected between Marlborough and Banks Peninsula. There is a threat for all NZ coast. Stay off beaches. #eqnz pic.twitter.com/bkEbyKkCsd
2.15pm GMT2.15pm GMT
14:1514:15
Eleanor Ainge RoyEleanor Ainge Roy
Emily White, 29, in inner-city Wellington felt a long “swaying shake” that lasted for two minutes just after midnight. There was no damage to the house.Emily White, 29, in inner-city Wellington felt a long “swaying shake” that lasted for two minutes just after midnight. There was no damage to the house.
She and her two flatmates took shelter under their dining room table. Windows burst outside their doors, street lights swayed and aftershocks have been ongoing.She and her two flatmates took shelter under their dining room table. Windows burst outside their doors, street lights swayed and aftershocks have been ongoing.
White and her flatmates have packed an emergency bag and are walking towards the war memorial. The streets are largely quiet, White reports, but others in Wellington are reporting increasing levels of car and foot traffic, heading to higher ground on Mt Victoria and to the national war memorial in Mt Cook:White and her flatmates have packed an emergency bag and are walking towards the war memorial. The streets are largely quiet, White reports, but others in Wellington are reporting increasing levels of car and foot traffic, heading to higher ground on Mt Victoria and to the national war memorial in Mt Cook:
It is the strongest quake I have ever felt; it was really un-nerving.It is the strongest quake I have ever felt; it was really un-nerving.
We weren’t sure if we should leave. We are in a pretty solid modern apartment house, but we are basically on the flat in Wellington so we’re leaving.We weren’t sure if we should leave. We are in a pretty solid modern apartment house, but we are basically on the flat in Wellington so we’re leaving.