New Zealand

Tsunami activity threat for New Zealand cancelled

20:36 pm on 16 January 2022

The tsunami warning issued in New Zealand following the Tonga volcanic eruption has been cancelled.

Photo: Unsplash / Alister Hitchcock

National Emergency Management Agency issued the National Advisory: Tsunami Activity for coastal areas on the north and east coast of the North Island, the Chatham Islands and the west coast of the South Island after the large eruption at Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'pai.

The beach and marine threat has now passed for all areas, it said in a statement.

This was based on advice from GNS Science, and based on ocean observations.

National Emergency Management Agency said strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for up to another 24 hours in some locations around the entire country.

It urged people to remain vigilant and take extra precautions with regards to beach and ocean activities.

The threat of further tsunamis for other Pacific nations has also passed, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said.

The centre said the threat had receded but coastal areas should remain alert for strong or unusual currents.

The US and Japan earlier warned people to move away from coastal areas.

But while further tsunamis may be unlikely, there are mounting fears over how badly Tonga has been hit.

- RNZ/BBC