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New Zealand earthquake: evacuations as tsunami heads for east coast – live New Zealand earthquake: two dead as tsunami threat passes – live
(about 2 hours later)
8.22pm GMT
20:22
My colleague Paul Karp reports:
Australian prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, has spoken to Channel Seven’s Sunrise about the New Zealand quake.
He said:“I spoke with John Key a few moments ago. I assured him of absolute solidarity and support from Australia. John appreciated that. He knows that we support them when it comes to emergencies and natural disasters.”Turnbull did not offer any details about what support Australia would be prepared to provide.
He offered condolences:
“So far they have reports of two deaths, and be passed on our condolences there. But obviously, it is early days. [John Key] is a great leader. New Zealand is very experienced with dealing with earthquakes, and I am sure he will have the matter in hand.”
8.18pm GMT
20:18
Sarah Stuart-Black, director of Civil Defence and Emergency Management in New Zealand, told Radio New Zealand that the areas they remain most concerned about are the areas for which there remains a tsunami warning – coastal areas from Napier to north of Dunedin, Cook Straight coastal areas and The Chatham Islands.
She reiterated that people in those areas should stay away from beaches, rivers and estuaries, as there could be large waves and unusual currents.
8.06pm GMT
20:06
It is now 9am in New Zealand and the full impact of the overnight 7.5 magnitude earthquake is beginning to be understood. Power is out and phone lines are still down in some areas and roads have cracked and sunk by up to half a metre, restricting access by emergency services.
The small North Canterbury township of Waiau is feared to be worst hit along with Kaikoura, the scene of one of the casualties. Paramedics are being flown by helicopter to Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura, where a command unit is being established.
New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, has suffered some damage with workers in the city centre told to stay home. Ships and ferries are waiting in the harbour until authorities can assess the damage to wharves before they dock, which is expected to be in the mid-afternoon.
Wellington City Council posted an update stating that it was likely not all buildings would be able to be made safe and there was a risk the forecast winds of up to 140kmh could bring glass and other materials into the streets.
Updated
at 8.15pm GMT
7.56pm GMT
19:56
People in green areas on map should stay off beaches and shore. Do not go sightseeing. Threat for all other regions has been lifted #eqnz pic.twitter.com/CrXrWStX9S
Although authorities say the the main tsunami threat has now passed, people are still being warned to stay off the beaches on the east coast
5.54pm GMT5.54pm GMT
17:5417:54
There has been concern for those in the coastal town of Kaikoura, which is popular with tourists, after it was cut off.There has been concern for those in the coastal town of Kaikoura, which is popular with tourists, after it was cut off.
Located near the epicentre, it appears to be one of the hardest hit areas, and officials are hoping to get a better understanding of the damage once the sun rises.Located near the epicentre, it appears to be one of the hardest hit areas, and officials are hoping to get a better understanding of the damage once the sun rises.
5.50pm GMT5.50pm GMT
17:5017:50
He said military helicopters have been dispatched to Kaikoura to assess the damage and help those worst hit.He said military helicopters have been dispatched to Kaikoura to assess the damage and help those worst hit.
5.48pm GMT5.48pm GMT
17:4817:48
Two fatalities confirmed
Prime Minister John Key has just told a press conference in New Zealand that there have been two fatalities.Prime Minister John Key has just told a press conference in New Zealand that there have been two fatalities.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.49pm GMT at 7.49pm GMT
5.25pm GMT5.25pm GMT
17:2517:25
One person has been confirmed to have died according to New Zealand police:One person has been confirmed to have died according to New Zealand police:
“One casualty has been reported at a collapsed property in Kaikora. Police are also trying to access a property at Mt Lyford north of Christchurch where a further casualty has been reported, which is believed to be a fatality.”“One casualty has been reported at a collapsed property in Kaikora. Police are also trying to access a property at Mt Lyford north of Christchurch where a further casualty has been reported, which is believed to be a fatality.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.40pm GMTat 5.40pm GMT
5.24pm GMT5.24pm GMT
17:2417:24
Tsunami warning lifted
The Dunedin Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) has confirmed that the main tsunami threat has now passed, however people should remain vigilant and stay off beaches.The Dunedin Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) has confirmed that the main tsunami threat has now passed, however people should remain vigilant and stay off beaches.
Dunedin Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) advises that the main tsunami threat has now passed, however people should remain vigilant and stay off beaches.Dunedin Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) advises that the main tsunami threat has now passed, however people should remain vigilant and stay off beaches.
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has downgraded the earlier tsunami warning land threat from the East Cape to Southland including Wellington and the Chatham Islands to a marine and beach threat onlyThe Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has downgraded the earlier tsunami warning land threat from the East Cape to Southland including Wellington and the Chatham Islands to a marine and beach threat only
Dunedin CDEM has in response lifted the state of emergency for Dunedin.Dunedin CDEM has in response lifted the state of emergency for Dunedin.
People who evacuated from low lying coastal areas can now return home.People who evacuated from low lying coastal areas can now return home.
While the main threat has passed, people should continue to be vigilant as aftershocks continue. All people should continue to:While the main threat has passed, people should continue to be vigilant as aftershocks continue. All people should continue to:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
3. Do not go sightseeing3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities
Updated
at 7.49pm GMT
4.58pm GMT4.58pm GMT
16:5816:58
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.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 GMT
15:26
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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 4.05pm GMT
3.09pm GMT
15:09
What we know so far
Claire Phipps
I’m now handing over this live blog to colleagues in London, who will continue to update the story as it unfolds.
2.56pm GMT
14:56
At least 45 aftershocks
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”.
Updated
at 2.56pm GMT
2.46pm GMT
14:46
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/reTkq2k4Wr
Huge slip blocking 100 metres of Inland Kaikoura Road, north of Cheviot. Completely impassable #eqnz pic.twitter.com/BX581HaQCu
2.41pm GMT
14:41
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.
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.
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.
2.35pm GMT
14:35
First 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.
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/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 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.
Updated
at 2.36pm GMT
2.30pm GMT
14:30
Eleanor 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.
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.
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.
2.25pm GMT
14:25
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/EwAIG8FpWk
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
2.19pm GMT
14:19
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.
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/bkEbyKkCsd
2.15pm GMT
14:15
Eleanor 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.
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:
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.