Australia avoids brunt of tsunami

Mark Furler

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Chile earthquake and tsunami

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THE Australian coastline was little troubled by a Pacific Ocean tsunami triggered by a devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Chile.

Beaches were closed and emergency services were on patrol as the brunt of the tsunami waves travelled in a north-west direction, narrowly missing Australia’s east coast.

But tsunami waves were recorded along the NSW, Queensland and Tasmanian coasts, with Norfolk Island recording a 50cm surge in sea levels.

The Gold Coast saw a 20cm increase and Tasmania, Southport and Darlington experienced a 17cm increase.

The tsunami warning was called off late yesterday afternoon, when it was decided the threat had passed and the main tsunami waves had passed all expected Australian locations.

All lifesaver nipper activities were cancelled, people were ordered out of the ocean and events such as the Quiksilver Pro surfing competition at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast were postponed and spectators asked to leave.

The earthquake struck off the coast of central Chile about 5.30pm (AEDT) on Saturday, killing hundreds and sending shockwaves throughout the Pacific.

The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami alert, declaring a “potential tsunami threat” for Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.

Dangerous waves and foreshore flooding listed in the warnings did not eventuate, but the JATWC was focused on strong ocean currents affecting people in boats or in the water.

The peak of activity was expected about 9am (AEDT) yesterday at the time of the high tide, but the peak arrived 90 minutes later when an outgoing tide worked to subdue any potential devastating effects.

JATWC acting assistant director Alasdair Hainsworth said shockwaves from an underwater 8.8-magnitude earthquake could be devastating.

“We in Australia have been very, very lucky indeed,” Mr Hainsworth said.

“The focus of the energy from the earthquake was definitely to the northwest from South America.

“So we were much on the periphery of the seismic seawave events.”

But JATWC kept its tsunami warning in place until yesterday evening, because the quick changes in sea levels around Australia’s east coast could cause severe currents.

“We were never, ever expecting a large wave,” Mr Hainsworth said.

At one point on Sunday morning, the JATWC issued an immediate warning for people to exit coastal waters.

Many ignored the danger to enjoy the last day of summer with a swim or a surf.

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