Tsunami warning signs appear in Whanganui

One of the tsunami signs in Castlecliff.

The areas of Whanganui that need to evacuate to evade a tsunami have now been made clear.

Signs have been erected in Whanganui's coastal areas, informing people about the dangers of tsunamis.

And a map has been produced to show residents of which streets need to leave, and what areas are safe.

The signs coincide with a three-month campaign by the Ministry of Civil Defence to prepare people in the event of earthquakes and tsunamis, following November's 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Kaikoura.

The campaign is promoting the message that if an earthquake is long or strong, people should evacuate from coastal areas immediately.

The signs include small signs attached to street signs, indicating tsunami risk zones and tsunami evacuation zones; information boards on what to do in the event of a tsunami; and electronic warning signs located at the Whanganui River estuary, Castlecliff beach and Mowhanau.

Whanganui District Council's emergency management officer Anthony Edwards said a detailed map was available on the council website, showing exactly where the tsunami danger zones and safe zones are.

People can type in their address to see whether it falls in an risk area. Mr Edwards said he encouraged everyone to become familiar with the map, and to have an evacuation plan if necessary.

"You can also visit the Civil Defence page of the council website to listen to the tsunami siren sound which is broadcast for official Civil Defence warnings," Mr Edwards said.

He said while not all Civil Defence warnings result in a damaging tsunami, it is better for people to take notice of warnings and evacuate when directed.

Mr Edwards said Civil Defence sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of each month at 8.30am.

A detailed digital map of tsunami evacuation areas, evacuation routes and safe zones is available at www.whanganui.govt.nz/tsunami-evacuation-map.