The tsunami warning for Norfolk Island issued after several earthquakes in New Zealand was canceled on Friday afternoon.
Residents on an Australian small island in the South Pacific Ocean have reportedly been hit with a two-foot surge after locals were urged to seek higher ground.
The island had been warned to expect unusual waves and currents on Friday but the Bureau of Meteorology said there was no danger to residents.
“A marine tsunami warning for Norfolk Island has now been cancelled following a magnitude 7.9 earthquake off New Zealand on Friday morning,” BOM meteorologist Jonathan How said at 3pm.
Earlier, he said a 64cm tsunami was reported on Norfolk Island and tsunami was also reported in areas including New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga.
“Energy from the initial earthquake and its after shock is moving through the Tasman Sea. Unusual but small tsunami waves have been reported at Lord Howe Island and also the Australian mainland including the Gold Coast, Tweed Heads and Port Kembla,” he said.
No Threat To Australian Mainland
He said there was no threat on the Australian mainland.
Earlier, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the Kermadec Islands region to northeast of New Zealand, forcing thousands of Kiwis to flee.
A series of earthquakes followed. A fourth earthquake was confirmed Friday morning before shocking images of huge waves crashed on the North Island coast.
The fourth quake measured 6.2 magnitude and struck 10km deep just after noon.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near Raoul Island in Kermadecs just before 7 a.m. and another 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of North Island at about 2.30am.
Series Of Earthquakes
But the largest earthquake was 8.1 and it struck the Kermadec Islands.
A series of earthquakes created several emergency warnings, including one on Norfolk Island.
“A sea level gauge at Norfolk Island has recorded a 64 centimetre tsunami wave,” a statement from the Bureau of Meteorology said.
“The weight of water behind a tsunami wave is far greater than a standard 64 centimetre wave at a beach, hence dangerous to swimmers and boaters.
There was no immediate threat to the Australian continent, confirmed the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Center.
The BOM also issued a general sea warning on Friday announcing the possibility of dangerous eruptions and strong ocean currents, which could endanger Norfolk Island.
“The potential impact on Norfolk Island can start after 10am on the island (9am AEDT) and last for several hours,” BOM said.
“Getting out is not necessary in areas threatened by the sea but Norfolk Island residents are strongly advised to get out of the water and stay away from the water’s edge of beaches, marinas, coastal rivers and rocky outcrops.”
Police are urging people not to come ashore to watch the tsunami and boats have been warned to return to shore.
Warnings
“Evacuations are not necessary for marine threat areas but Norfolk Island residents are strongly advised to get out of the water and move away from the immediate water’s edge of beaches, marinas, coastal estuaries and rock platforms.”
Police are urging people not to go near the coast to watch the tsunami and boats have been warned to return to shore.
“Vessels at sea should stay offshore in water at least 25m deep until further advised,” the bureau said.
A Norfolk Island local who owns a cafe in the remote community said it was “business as usual” given the majority of residents don’t live in low-lying coastal areas.
“We are known as people on the rock. This cafe is at a very high level, ”he told 2GB radio.
