Water rushing out of Tutukaka Marina

Posted by dive mistress in New Zealand, WeatherSep 30th, 2009 | no responses

An earthquake struck Samoa today at 6.48am at a depth of 35km and it was centred 205km south of the Samoan capital of Apia and 2685km northeast of Auckland.

A powerful tsunami followed and many people have been injured with homes and resorts obliterated.
Over 100 deaths have been confirmed and all over New Zealand our thoughts and prayers – and aid and funds – are being sent to Samoa to help those affected.

Civil defence director John Hamilton warned people to continue to stay away from beaches even though he has downgraded a tsunami warning.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a Pacific-wide tsunami warning after the quake and witnesses estimated the wave that followed was between one and three metres high when it hit Samoa.
Mr Hamilton said while a 40cm wave had reached the East Cape, a 1m wave had been detected at Raoul Island that could hit New Zealand.

Courtesy – New Zealand Herald
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10600389

Kate from Dive! Tutukaka in Northland took this footage of the water draining quickly out of Tutukaka Marina around 2pm today :

courtesy of Poor Knights Diving Videos / Dive Tutukaka, Poor Knights Diving.