Te Tainiwhaniwha Tsunami
Tsunami are large ocean waves caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides under the sea. While rare in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland , they can still happen and are dangerous. Tsunami waves travel fast and may reach the coast with little warning. Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland ’s low-lying coastal areas could be flooded or damaged if a tsunami occurs. Knowing your evacuation zones and what to do can help protect you and your community.
If an earthquake is long OR strong, GET GONE! If an earthquake lasts more than a minute or is so strong that you can’t stand up, move inland or to higher ground. This might be the only warning of a tsunami, so don’t wait for any further alerts.
Natural warning signs: If you see the sea suddenly pull back or hear a loud roar, this could mean a tsunami is coming. Evacuate right away.
Preparing for a Tsunami
Although tsunamis are uncommon, it’s important to be ready.
- Know your evacuation zones: Find out if your home, school, or workplace is in a tsunami evacuation zone. Be aware of the closest high ground or inland safe areas.
- Plan your evacuation route: Plan the quickest way to get to higher ground. Make sure everyone in your household knows the route. Sign up for the annual Shake Out earthquake drill and tsunami hikoi to practise it together.
- Prepare an evacuation grab bag: Pack essentials like food, water, medicine, a first aid kit, important documents, and a battery-powered radio. Keep the kit somewhere you can grab it quickly.
- Make a family plan: Discuss with your family how you’ll stay in touch if separated and agree on a meeting place.
If you feel a strong earthquake, notice any natural tsunami warning signs or get a tsunami warning via an Emergency Mobile Alert or other official channel:
- Evacuate immediately: Go to higher ground or inland without waiting for further instructions. Don’t stay to watch the waves.
- Help others: If it is safe to do so, help neighbours or those nearby needing assistance to evacuate safely.
- Follow official alerts: Stay tuned to the radio, phone alerts, or other official sources for updates. DO NOT RE-ENTER AN EVACUATION ZONE UNTIL THE ALL-CLEAR IS GIVEN.
Once the waves have passed:
- Wait for the all-clear: Don’t return to the evacuation areas until officials say it’s safe. The first wave may not be the biggest.
- Avoid damaged areas: Stay away from coastal water, tidal estuaries, rivers and streams for at least 24 hours after any tsunami or tsunami warning. Even small waves create dangerous currents.
- Check for updates: Keep following official information in case of aftershocks or more tsunami risks.
Know your risk: Use our hazard viewer to explore potential risks for different locations. These maps are for information only, updated regularly, and should not be solely relied upon for decision-making.