Type Status Location Last Updated
Emergency Warning - Geo - Move to Higher Ground Extreme *TEST* low-lying coastal areas from Wilsons Promontory to 60 nautical miles east of Gabo Island, to the NSW border 26/08/2026

This Emergency Warning is being issued for *TEST* low-lying coastal areas from Wilsons Promontory to 60 nautical miles east of Gabo Island, to the NSW border.

An undersea earthquake of magnitude 9.2 has occurred at 09:55 am AEST on Wednesday 26 August 2026 near the Kernadec Islands Region. 

Sea level observations have confirmed that a tsunami has been generated.


The tsunami threat will commence any time after the following local time and will persist for several hours: 
  • Mallacoota after 03:00 PM AEST on Wednesday 26 August 2026
  • Lakes Entrance after 03:30 PM AEST on Wednesday 26 August 2026
  • Golden Beach after 04:00 PM AEST on Wednesday 26 August 2026
  • Wilsons Promontory after 04:45 PM AEST on Wednesday 26 August 2026

This Emergency Warning replaces the Emergency Warning issued at 11 am. 

If you are located in low-lying coastal areas from Wilsons Promontory to 60 nautical miles east of Gabo Island, to the NSW border, you are in danger. 

You should move immediately to higher ground that is at least 10 metres above the sea level, and take shelter in the highest place possible. Do not go to the coast to watch the tsunami. 
What you should do

Move to higher ground: 
  • Move at least one kilometre inland away from the coast, all beaches, marinas, harbours and tidal rivers.
  • Take only essential items that you can carry including drinking water, important papers, photographs and medical needs. 
  • Take your mobile phone and charger.  
  • Check your neighbours have received this warning. 
Travel to a safer location immediately:
  • Walk to safety if possible to avoid traffic jams. 
  • If you cannot leave the area, take shelter in the upper storey of a strong brick or concrete multi-storey building. 
  • Evacuation centres have been opened at Lakes Life Church, 125 Palmers Road, Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale Oval, Bairnsdale, or you can go to your family or friends in a safe location.
On the beach or in the water:
  • If on the beach, rock fishing or in the water immediately get out of the water and move inland 1 km away from the water’s edge. 
  • Boats in harbours, estuaries or in shallow coastal water should return to shore. Secure your boat and move inland away from the waterfront. 
  • Vessels already at sea should stay offshore in water at least 25 metres deep until further advised. 
For emergency tsunami assistance from SES call 132 500. Call Triple Zero (000) in a life threatening emergency.
Impacts in your area:

This tsunami is likely to cause extremely dangerous flooding into low-lying coastal areas:
  • Extreme danger to low-lying coastal areas and communities, including homes, holiday accommodation, beach camps, community facilities, shops and businesses, beach car parks and playgrounds 
  • Sea levels overtopping foreshore sand dunes and sea walls. 
  • Flooding beyond the immediate foreshore, maybe up to 1 km inland. 
  • Damage to ports, marina and small boats. 
  • Damage to roads, bridges, buildings and infrastructure near the coast or shore. 
  • Extremely dangerous sea level rises and waves, ocean currents and rips for hours or days. 
This message was issued by State Emergency Service.

The next update is expected by 26/08/2026 03:00 pm or as the situation changes.

Tsunami information:
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
  • To access this information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.   
  •  If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.