Australia's tsunami threat abates

Australia was little troubled by a Pacific Ocean tsunami triggered by a devastating
8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Chile.
Beaches were closed on Sunday until 5pm (AEDT) 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.
The warning was called off by the JATWC at 5pm (AEDT) on Sunday evening, when it was
decided the risk of a tsunami hitting Australia had passed and the main tsunami
waves had passed all expected Australian locations.
"It's unfortunate that we had to close beaches for an entire day, but hopefully we
managed to keep everyone out of danger," a JATWC spokesman said.
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) on Sunday 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.
The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami wiped out entire coastlines and villages as it swept
through southeast 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 until Sunday 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.
"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 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, 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.