News

Emergency Tsunami Warning for Lord Howe Island

The NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) has issued an emergency warning for Lord Howe Island as it may be impacted by dangerous rips, waves and strong ocean currents in the marine environment, with the possibility of localised overflow onto the immediate foreshore.

An undersea earthquake of magnitude 7.7 occurred at 12:57 PM AEST on Friday 19 May, 2023 near Southeast of Loyalty Islands, triggering a Tsunami.  

The NSW SES is advising the public to stay informed and avoid beaches, rock platforms and low-lying coastal areas of Lord Howe Island.

A Marine Warning could bring dangerous rips, waves and strong rip currents to the area.

NSW SES State Duty Commander, Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said people should avoid the the immediate water's edge of harbours, coastal estuaries, rock platforms and beaches at Lord Howe Island. 

“Boats in harbours, estuaries or shallow coastal water should return to shore and be secured. People should move away from the waterfront and obey all signs about beach and foreshore closures,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.

“At present there is no threat to mainland Australia, and the NSW SES is in constant communication with the Bureau of Meteorology and is monitoring the situation.”

NSW SES is advising people in the warning area to:

• Boats in harbours, estuaries or shallow coastal water should return to shore. Secure your boat and move away from the waterfront.
• Vessels already out to sea should stay offshore in water at least 25 metres deep until further advised.
• Obey all signs about beach and foreshore closures and instructions from emergency services.
• If you have a Home or Business Emergency Plan, refer to it now.
• Check to see if your neighbours are aware of this advice.

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.