Russia earthquake sending tsunami surge

An 8.8 magnitude earthquake of Russia's far eastern coast - the world's largest since 2011 - has caused a Tsunami Warning for all coastal areas of up to a meter across New Zealand.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advises it expects NZ coastal areas to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake near off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia earlier today.

Expected wave arrival times are 1.19am for the Marlborough Sounds, and 1.45am for Picton.

However before or after the wave, there is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing and anyone in or near the water close to shore due to unpredictable currents.

People on boats, liveaboards and at marinas should leave their boats/vessels, move onto shore, and do not return to boats unless instructed by officials.

People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.

NEMA and Marlborough District Council have urged people not go to the coast  listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions.

Follow up to date information at www.civildefence.govt.nz