CITY OF CAPE TOWN - Tsunami warning lifted: no need to panic

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported earlier today that an 8.6 magnitude earthquake occurred off Indonesia’s western Aceh province on the 11 April 2012. The USGS warned coastal residents on the Indian Ocean to move to higher ground as tsunami warnings were issued.

For a short period of time South Africa was placed under tsunami watch which has now been lifted. Residents of Cape Town are advised to disregard the rumours of a tsunami and that the probability risk is low for the coastal areas of Cape Town.

Residents are advised that this tsunami and earthquake alert does not warrant the authorities in South Africa to take any action.

The City is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the South African National Disaster Management Centre, Council of Geoscience and the South African Weather Service.

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Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Media enquiries: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town, Tel: 080 911 4357; Cell: 084 711 7709 or 072 315 8898; E-mail: wilfred.solomons@capetown.gov.za