South Pacific: Tsunami warning issued following magnitude-8.1 earthquake strikes in South Pacific Ocean near Kermadec Islands March 5 /update 1

Event

A tsunami threat has been issued for multiple countries and territories in the South Pacific following a magnitude-8.1 earthquake which occurred in the South Pacific Ocean near the Kermadec Islands at about 0628 NZDT March 5. Tsunami waves of 1-3 meters (3-9 feet) above the tide level are possible across portions of coastal New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Additionally, tsunami waves of up to 1 meter (3 feet) are possible in French Polynesia, American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Niue, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, parts of eastern Australia, and parts of northern New Zealand. Authorities in multiple locations, including American Samoa and parts of New Zealand's North Island, are urging individuals in low-lying coastal areas to seek higher ground immediately.

The quake's epicenter was approximately 834 km (518 miles) north-northeast of Auckland, New Zealand. The tremor occurred at a depth of approximately 10 km (6 miles). Very strong shaking was reported on the Kermadec Islands - a location inhabited only by small scientific teams from New Zealand at certain times of the year. The main threat for affected inhabited areas is due to possible tsunamis.

Advice

Move away from the immediate coastline; tsunamis can be long-duration events, and the threat may persist for hours. Vacate multistoried buildings or unreinforced structures in areas where strong shaking occurred; aftershocks could cause additional damage. Cellular networks may be overwhelmed; use text messaging if services are available. Due to the threat of landslides, seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected area.