Test for new wave warning system
A new wave warning system for Wellington’s south coast had its first test just days after it was introduced.
The system, which allows for easy communication between the MetService, Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office, and Wellington City Council (WCC), was introduced after residents were not warned about massive waves heading towards the south coast on April 15.
The waves, which reached five metres, swept one person out to sea, and saw properties damaged and five houses evacuated.
It was later revealed the MetService had warned the Greater Wellington Regional Council about the same waves hitting Lake Ferry, but WCC had not signed up for alerts.
The new communication system was agreed to on Friday, and on Tuesday was put to the test, after MetService notified the council that there could be large waves hitting the south coast.
Initially forecast to reach four metres, they ended up being just two metres, recorded.
Eugene Doyle, from the O¯ whiro Bay Residents’ association, said there had been a ‘‘sealevel’’ change in communication from WCC.
He said there were still a few kinks to iron out in terms of making sure all residents had direct access to the information, but that was being worked through and the system was a dramatic improvement.
At 3am yesterday he received a notification that O¯ whiro Bay, along with the rest of the south coast, was in the clear.
O¯ whiro Bay resident Viv Reid with no damage said it was great the system had been set up so quickly.
While Tuesday night’s swells did not amount to anything, she said a response team had been brought out overnight and residents were well-informed.
Wellington city councillor Fleur Fitzsimons said the system had worked well, although there were a few improvements to be made, like ensuring all residents had access to the communication.
‘‘We also need to work on ensuring that the warnings are proportionate to the likely impact of the waves, to avoid warning fatigue among residents,’’ Fitzsimons said.