Tsunami Watch: Hawke’s Bay Urged to Stay Cautious Despite No Large Waves After Earthquake

A massive earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck off the coast of Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka region, sending tsunami warnings rippling across the Pacific. Hawke’s Bay residents were on high alert as emergency alerts flooded their phones, urging them to stay away from the water. Despite the lack of visible large waves, officials and experts are reminding the public that the threat remains real and unpredictable.

The Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group issued repeated warnings, emphasizing the importance of staying away from the shoreline and not returning to boats unless instructed by officials. Surfers, however, were seen enjoying the swell at Te Awanga despite the advisory. One surfer, who wished to remain anonymous, said he felt safe enough to be in the water.

Coastguard Hawke’s Bay President Henry van Tuel reported that local boat operators were following the warnings closely, with no requests for assistance from the coastguard. He noted that while the tide appeared higher than usual, the water remained relatively calm. However, he warned that conditions can change rapidly, and the public should remain vigilant.

“The trouble is that can change very, very quickly,” said van Tuel, who was at the coastguard headquarters on Meeanee Quay, observing the situation closely. He also noted that the Napier marina area was unusually quiet, with people heeding the warnings to stay clear of the shore.

Adam Harvey, Chief Operating Officer at Napier Port, confirmed that the port had suspended vessel operations overnight as a precaution. Following further assessments, the port has resumed normal operations, with the residual risk deemed low and comparable to regular long-period wave conditions.

Clifton Motor Camp manager Robyn Wellwood-King observed unusual water activity, noting that waves were coming up the boat ramp an hour before high tide — something not typical for the area. “It’s different than normal here this morning,” she said, adding that the upcoming high tide could bring additional challenges.

With NEMA (formerly NIWA) continuing to monitor the situation, the tsunami advisory is expected to remain in place until midday. Van Tuel advised the public to stay informed and to treat the sea with caution for the next few days, as lingering effects could still pose a risk.

As the situation unfolds, Hawke’s Bay residents are being reminded that while the immediate threat may not be apparent, the ocean remains unpredictable. Staying alert and following official guidance is crucial in ensuring safety in the face of such natural phenomena.