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A tidal surge near the harbour walk in Leigh. Photo, Guy Parkes.
Pakiri Beach looked extra choppy to residents taking refuge in the hills.
Parking bays on Matakana Valley Road were filled with cars.
Residents can check if they live in a tsunami risk zone any time using the Hazard Viewer tool at www.aucklandemergencymanagement.org.nz.
Residents of low-lying coastal areas, including Omaha, Whangateau and Point Wells, headed for the hills, following news that an 8.1 magnitude earthquake had struck offshore from the Kermadec Islands on Friday, March 5.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued an alert to east coast residents of the Auckland region warning of unpredictable tidal surges and asked them to stay off the water.
An evacuation alert was issued for communities in the Far North and Whangarei.
Tsunami sirens and mobile phone alerts also prompted residents of Mangawhai to head for higher ground, including the evacuation of Mangawhai Beach School. Coastal residents in Pakiri were encouraged to take refuge inland by police conducting checks at beaches.
Although NEMA issued no evacuation alert in Rodney, Matakana Valley Road was lined with parked cars on the Matakana/Whangaripo hill where there was a good view of the coast.
Although a tsunami never arrived, residents witnessed a number of tidal surges and unusual currents in Leigh and Pakiri. The alert was stood down after five hours.
Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) is the Civil Defence entity for the Auckland region.
AEM spokesperson Charlotte Rosier says in the event of an evacuation alert in Mahurangi, tsunami sirens would sound in Omaha, Point Wells and Whangateau. This would be followed by an emergency mobile alert, similar to Covid-19 alerts. Residents can check the Hazard Viewer tool at www.aucklandemergencymanagment.org.nz to see if they live in a tsunami risk zone.
Ms Rosier says households in Whangateau or Point Wells may wish to evacuate to elevated areas in Ti Point or Leigh in the event of a tsunami warning.
She says Omaha has signs at the boat ramp and surf club indicating where to evacuate to in an emergency, including a walkway into the hills at the southern end of Mangatawhiri Road.
“We ask that people walk, bike or scooter to safety if they can, and leave the roads clear for emergency services and those who need assistance evacuating. If you have to use your car, consider carpooling.”
Ms Rosier suggests that those living in an at-risk tsunami zone keep a grab bag handy with essential items including food, water, medication, shoes and a jacket.
“It’s a great idea to do a practice evacuation with family so everyone knows where to go, how long it will take and where to meet if people get separated.”
Ms Rosier say it is important to follow official advice in case of an incident, but some common sense is also required.
“If you feel an earthquake that makes it hard to stand up, or a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute, or even see a sudden rise or fall in sea level, don’t wait for official advice.
“Instead go immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can, taking the route that is quickest for you.”
AEM is doing its biannual test of the tsunami sirens in Rodney on Easter Sunday April 4.
