Tide turns on tsunami

Australia has all but escaped the wrath of a Pacific Ocean tsunami triggered by a devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the coast of central Chile.

Beaches today were closed and emergency services were on patrol as the brunt of the tsunami waves travelled in a northwest 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 in sea levels. In Tasmania, Southport and Darlington experienced a 17cm increase.

Port Kembla on NSW's south coast recorded a 14cm increase, but no damage or emergencies occurred.

All 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 (JATWC) 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 around 9am (AEDT) today at the time of the high tide, but it arrived 90 minutes later when an outgoing tide worked to subdue any potential devastating effects.

"We will probably start to wind it back from later this afternoon," JATWC acting assistant director Alasdair Hainsworth told AAP on Sunday afternoon.

"In all likelihood (the tsunami warning) will be cancelled later today or tonight."

Mr Hainsworth said shockwaves from an underwater 8.8-magnitude earthquake could be devastating.

The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami wiped out entire coastlines and villages as it swept through south-east Asia.

"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 today, 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.

"We were only ever expecting a marine wave and a marine warning situation which was directed at those people on boats or in the water."

At one point this 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, a surf or a local fishing expedition.

"We can try, but we have no policing powers," a Surf Life Saving NSW spokeswoman told AAP.

More than 800 nippers were sent home from Sydney's Coogee beach, but people remained near the shore after receiving official warnings from surf life savers.

Surfers continued to catch waves at nearby Bondi beach as swimmers risked a morning dip.

State Emergency Service volunteers remained on alert and rescue helicopters patrolled beaches, using loudspeakers to warn rock fisherman to leave the foreshore.

AAP


My critique
It is really a tragedy! it happens more frequently this decade if compared to the previous decades or centuries...Is it man-made or natural disaster? I think that we, human should bear some degree of responsibility for the happenings as well. We totally neglect the mother earth for the sake of development, even though conferences and regulations have been set up to solve the adverse effects we created, it is non-sense without the cooperation of all inhabitants of the planet! Tsunami has occurred again and it is devastating...I disagree with the people who continues to enjoy their summer activities along the beach although warning has been announced as mentioned above. They should care for their lives!