SES releases Tsunami evacuation maps

 

 

 

 

 

 

The NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) has released new maps showing evacuation areas in the event of a land-threat tsunami.

While the likelihood of a land-threat tsunami on the east coast of Australia is low, the maps show the areas where residents and workers would have to move to higher ground in the event of a land-threat tsunami.

Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott said the NSW SES is the combat agency for flood, storm and tsunami and the release of the mapping is part of its work to build preparedness and community resilience.

“Importantly, the maps show areas which would be evacuated and not areas which would definitely be inundated with water.

Emergency workers will use these maps for further tsunami response planning,” Mr Elliott said.

Marine-threat tsunamis occur once about every six years, but are usually only dangerous to swimmers and boaters because of the dangerous currents. There is no record of a land-threat tsunami in Australia since European settlement.

NSW SES Acting Commissioner Greg Newton said a tsunami could be a series of waves caused by an earthquake, submarine eruptions or coastal landslides.

“If there is a threat of land inundation from a tsunami, move to higher ground at least ten meters above sea level or, if possible, one kilometer away from the coast and rivers. Be sure to listen to your local radio station for information, warnings and advice,” Acting Commissioner Newton said.

The online maps are available at www.tsunamisafe.com.au. You can enter your postcode to view the area where you live or work and explore other areas that would be evacuated on the NSW coast.

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