I live near the beach. When should I leave after an earthquake? Do I need to wait for a tsunami warning?
Leave as soon as the shaking stops if the earthquake is long or strong. Do not wait for a tsunami warning. The rule is Long or Strong, Get Gone. If an earthquake lasts more than 1 minute, or is so strong it is hard to stand, move to high ground or as far inland as you can. A local tsunami may arrive within minutes. Walk, run or cycle if you can, so you do not get stuck in traffic.
Official figures
- What to do in an earthquake
- Drop, Cover and Hold: drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck (get under a strong table if one is within a few steps), and hold on until the shaking stops1
- Tsunami rule
- Long or Strong, Get Gone: if an earthquake lasts more than 1 minute, or is so strong it is hard to stand, move inland or to high ground2
- Local tsunami
- Forms close to New Zealand and may arrive within minutes2
- Regional tsunami (for example, from Tonga, Samoa or Vanuatu)
- May take 1 to 3 hours to arrive2
- Distant tsunami (for example, from Chile, Alaska or Japan)
- May take 14 hours or more to arrive2
Official sources
- EarthquakesAuckland Emergency Management (Auckland Council) · aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz
- TsunamiAuckland Emergency Management (Auckland Council) · aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz
- Emergency suppliesAuckland Emergency Management (Auckland Council) · aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz
- Staying informed during an emergencyWellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO) · wremo.nz
Read the full guide: Getting ready for earthquakes, tsunamis and other emergencies →
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Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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