Consular Update on the earthquake in New Zealand [as of 1230 hrs, 22 November 2016]

An earthquake of 7.8 magnitude struck near Christchurch, New Zealand, on 13 November 2016.  Soon after, New Zealand's Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) issued a tsunami warning and land threat from East Cape to Southland, including Wellington, Marlborough Sounds/Tasman Bay and the Chatham Islands. The MCDEM updated on 15 November 2016 (at 0032 hrs, New Zealand time) that there was no longer any tsunami threat to any area of New Zealand.  However, coastal areas may have unusually strong coastal currents or sea level fluctuations for some time and people are advised to take extra care around the water. There was also a series of strong aftershocks, which caused landslides, power shortages and cuts in water supply in some areas.

The New Zealand Government has completed the evacuation of all willing tourists from Kaikoura.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Singapore High Commission in Wellington have confirmed that all known Singaporeans in the affected areas are safe.  We have not received any reports of Singaporeans injured as a result of the earthquake.   Please contact the High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand at +64-4-470-0850, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore at +65-6379-8800 if you require emergency assistance. 

The New Zealand authorities have advised people to keep themselves informed of latest developments and to follow the advice of the local civil defence authorities.  Information can be found through the local radio and TV stations, as well as on the MCDEM website (www.civildefence.govt.nz) and Twitter account (https://twitter.com/NZcivildefence).  Singaporeans in New Zealand should heed the advice.

Singaporeans who are planning to travel to New Zealand should continue to monitor the situation closely as aftershocks are common after a major earthquake.  On 22 November 2016 (at 1320 hrs New Zealand time), a 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Hawke’s Bay in North Island.  There was no significant damage reported.  Nonetheless, the situation remains fluid and Singaporeans should bear in mind that their travel plans could be affected.  The latest earthquake information can be found on New Zealand’s Geonet website (www.geonet.org.nz).