New Zealand braces for overnight tsunami barrage

Tsunami waves of up to a meter high are expected to batter the east of New Zealand over Thursday night after the 8.3-magnitude earthquake in Chile.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) issued a tsunami warning Thursday for most of the east coast of New Zealand's two main islands and Chatham Islands group.

The first waves were expected to hit the Chatham Islands at about 11 p.m. Thursday and the mainland just after midnight on Friday and they could continue for several hours.

People in the coastal areas have been warned to stay out of the water, including the sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities, and to stay off beaches and shore areas.

They have also been warned against sightseeing.

"Most of the East Coast of New Zealand, including Chatham Islands, can expect wave heights of between 0.2 and 1 meter," said the warning.

"Historically, the first waves have not been the largest, and the same may be true for this event."

The tsunami warning would remain in effect until MCDEM issued a cancellation message.

Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye urged people listen to national warnings issued by MCDEM.

"In these situations, a national tsunami panel, which includes a team of experts, advises MCDEM on any potential threat to New Zealand," Kaye said in a statement.

"The National Crisis Management Center in Wellington has been activated to monitor this situation, and I'm receiving regular briefings." Endi