Tsunami maps released

The potential impacts of a tsunami hitting Gisborne and other East Cape communities are illustrated in a report and maps released yesterday.

Gisborne District Council released the report and maps on its website following a process of peer review this year.

A final review by GNS Science was completed this week.

The report and maps of Gisborne and 16 other communities on the East Coast were based on new research into modelling of a local tsunami generated from a magnitude 8.9 earthquake centred in the Hikurangi subduction zone off the East Coast.

Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher-Swann said the final review was requested to ensure the zones that could be affected by a local tsunami were acceptable. ‘‘The review of the report ensures we can give our community greater confidence in the information and identify as accurately as possible those areas and people who could be affected.’’

The maps will be the basis of a readiness campaign aimed at educating affected communities, residents and businesses to prepare and rehearse evacuation plans.

‘‘As a region we are vulnerable to tsunami of any size at any time. It is crucial we all have a plan and know what to do based on the new information. As we come together over Christmas this is a good time to talk about evacuation plans and preparing emergency kits.’’ ThatcherSwann said.

The report is available at gdc.govt.nz/ civil-defence. The council said evacuation routes would follow.