By 3 News staff and NZPA
Civil Defence says there is a potential threat of a tsunami reaching New Zealand after a magnitude 8.9 earthquake struck Japan tonight, NZ time, but it has not issued an official warning yet.
"A tsunami is possible. MCDEM (Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management) and scientific advisors are assessing the severity of the threat to New Zealand," Civil Defence said.
David Coetzee of Civil Defence spoke to 3 News a moment ago and says a potential threat does not mean the same as a warning.
Mr Coetzee says it will be around 6.14am tomorrow morning if anything hits New Zealand.
He says New Zealand is not expecting a significant tsunami or land surge but there could be a marine threat.
People in coastal areas are being warned to stay off beaches, with particular focus on North Cape, the north and west and eastern parts of Northland, down to Bay of Plenty.
Mr Coetzee says for people “Not to be overly alarmed [but] be alert”.
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A 4-metre tsunami washed away cars and tore away buildings along Japan's eastern coast near the epicentre after the earthquake hit at 2.46pm (6.46pm NZT). There were reports of injuries in Tokyo.
Officials were trying to assess damage, injuries and deaths from the quake but had no immediate details.
The quake that struck was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, including a 7.4-magnitude one about 30 minutes later. The US Geological Survey upgraded the strength of the first quake to a magnitude 8.9, while Japan's meteorological agency measured it at 7.9.
The meteorological agency issued a tsunami warning for the entire Pacific coast of Japan. NHK was warning those near the coast to get to safer ground.
The quake struck at a depth of 10km, about 125km off the eastern coast, the agency said. The area is 380km northeast of Tokyo.
In downtown Tokyo, large buildings shook violently and workers poured into the street for safety, and TV footage showed fires across the city in buildings and at an oil refinery.
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Civil Defence is advising New Zealand coastal communities that a tsunami is possible.
According to Civil Defence, the first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. Waves may continue for several hours.
If a tsunami has been generated people in coastal areas should:
1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.
NZPA