12 Mar 2011

Latest on Pacific tsunami warnings

12:26 am on 12 March 2011

The acting governor of the Northern Marianas, Eloy Inos, has yet to issue an all clear after the tsunami resulting from the earthquake off Japan.

In a statement he says his government is still awaiting results of the impact of the first wave which hit nearly 3 hours ago.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports that initial readings show waves of around 65 centimetres hit Saipan.

***************************************************************

Papua New Guinea has issued a tsunami watch for its northern provinces.

A UN official seconded to the National Disaster Centre, Rabi Gaudo, says waves may reach the north coast through to 2 a.m. local time.

***************************************************************

New Caledonians have been warned to expect waves of half a metre to one metre between 3.30 and 4.30 New Zealand time.