Tsunami threat forces beach closures
Ballina Shire beaches were closed today after a tsunami threat caused by an earthquake off the Solomons.
Surf Life Saving NSW advised late this afternoon that beaches were being reopened, with the threat of a tsunami affecting the coastline having passed.
“The State’s beaches were closed earlier today as a precaution following an earthquake off the Solomon Islands this morning. With warnings of a possible tsunami hitting the Australian east coast, lifeguards closed beaches in Queensland and New South Wales, with beachgoers asked to leave the water and keep to higher ground,” NSW SLSA spokesman Brett Moore said.
“Lifeguards will remain on alert, with unusual currents possibly effecting beaches over the next 24 hours. Only small rises in sea levels were experienced along some areas of the NSW and Queensland coastline during the time of highest concern, which was late morning/early afternoon.”
Locally, sightseers flocked to vantage points to check for any surges. Fortunately, there was none, although one Evans Head resident reported a minor increase in the river height despite an outgoing tide.
Pictures detailing the change will be published in tomorrow’s Northern Star.
