No tsunami but caution still needed on coast

People have been urged to remain vigilant around coastal areas and river mouths, despite yesterday's lifting of a tsunami warning in place for much of the east coast after the massive Chile earthquake.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) said at 2pm yesterday warnings generated after the magnitude 8.3 quake were officially cancelled.

Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Group Controller Liz Lambert said there were unusually strong currents and unpredictable surges, particularly around river mouths and estuaries, expected to remain until tomorrow: "We are warning people to stay out of the water, and off beaches and shore areas until Hawke's Bay Civil Defence advises otherwise."

The Napier port buoy recorded continuing surges since early yesterday, from 1.06m to 1.63m - a rise of 0.57m - over 15-minute periods.

Ms Lambert said while the tsunami waves were not high, unusual and strong currents presented a risk in or near the water at river mouths, marinas, jetties and rocks. Whitebaiters and divers were likely to be most at risk.

"After the 2011 Japan tsunami, the largest waves were 40 hours after it initially hit our coastline, so people need to continue to take extreme care. We are delighted with the sensible approach being taken by people to this event so far."

Hawke's Bay Regional Council communications specialist Helen Shea said the HB Civil Defence Emergency Management Group's Facebook page was full of questions.

"We have been really impressed with the sensible approach people have taken," she said. "Social media has become a real go-to for people in an emergency, so we do find that is a really good channel to get our message out."