New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a National Advisory warning of strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges along the country’s coasts following the upgraded magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

The quake, which struck at 11:25 a.m. NZST, prompted NEMA to caution that the tsunami threat remains unchanged from earlier alerts, with all coastal areas of the North Island, South Island, Stewart Island, Great Barrier Island, and the Chatham Islands under advisory.

While coastal inundation (flooding) is not expected, the agency warned that strong currents and dangerous surges could pose a serious threat to swimmers, surfers, fishers, and anyone in or near the water.

“Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore,” NEMA said.

NEMA urged people in affected areas to move out of the water, off beaches, and away from harbours, marinas, rivers, and estuaries. The agency also advised the public to avoid going to the coast to watch wave activity, as dangerous and unpredictable surges may occur, and to follow instructions from local civil defence authorities while sharing information with family, neighbours, and friends.

The advisory also states that boats and vessels should not be used, and those on live-aboards or at marinas should remain ashore until advised otherwise.

According to NEMA, the first tsunami activity—producing strong currents and surges—may reach Lottin Point around 11:59 p.m. NZST on Wednesday night. These hazardous conditions are expected to continue for several hours.

“The threat must be regarded as real until this Advisory is cancelled,” NEMA stressed, adding that the situation will be continuously monitored as new information becomes available. (ILKHA)