Tsunami alert for New Zealand (28 Feb)

[Mikkel]

Did Civil defence over react or would you rather not know? Our local radio was publishing warnings from 6am yet I saw a hell of a lot of boats heading out regardless.

I believe boat owners were advised they would be better with 30m of water under them, rather than at moorings.

People seem to think that a tsunami is a wall of water that travels at really high speed demolishing everything in it's path, while both of those ideas are valid they don't happen at the same time. In deep water it is a fast moving wave with relatively low amplitude such that you pretty much wouldn't notice it going past, as it gets into shallow water and starts to go ashore is when it starts to build in height and drop in speed. The further away from the coast you are the safer you are, this is regardless of whether you are at sea or on land.

Just like with everything else, a little bit of education goes a long way.

Part of me wanted there to actually be a decent wave this time around, even if it was only 1-2m and did a bit of damage around the place. At least then people would have accepted the response from Civil Defense and all those who belittle the efforts put in by such an organisation which aims to save lives would be left with little ammunition, though they would likely be saying that not enough was done - funny that.

Yep, away from shore the safest place to be in your boat. Arthur's Pass village should be pretty safe if you're staying on land...

[Paul in NZ]

All the same - I wasn't going out on my kayak sunday morning... Aside from the 'killer wave' warning we got from Vickis mum at 4:10 am.... we were seriously hung over from the neighbours wedding and... I'd been out early sat morning and we had a fridge full of fresh snapper so no need really... ;-)

I think CD did a much better job! Good on em!