Type Status Location Last Updated
Emergency Warning - Geo - Move to Higher Ground Extreme *TEST* for the marine environment from Cape Otway across the Central Coast, Port Phillip and Western Port to Wilsons Promontory 26/08/2026
This Emergency Warning is being issued for *TEST* for the marine environment from Cape Otway across the Central Coast, Port Phillip and Western Port to Wilsons Promontory.

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 Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre has issued a Marine Threat Tsunami Warning for the *TEST* for the marine environment from Cape Otway across the Central Coast, Port Phillip and Western Port to Wilsons Promontory area. 
  • The tsunami is expected to affect the marine (ocean) environment and possibly some localised flooding onto the immediate foreshore and beach area. 
  •  This tsunami marine threat includes dangerous rips, waves and strong ocean currents and some localised overflow onto the immediate foreshore commencing after 5:00 pm Wednesday and persisting for several hours. 

The tsunami threat will commence any time after the following local times and will persist for several hours:

This Emergency Warning replaces the Emergency Warning issued at 11:30 am. 
If you are located in *TEST* for the marine environment from Cape Otway across the Central Coast, Port Phillip and Western Port to Wilsons Promontory, you are in danger. 
You should move immediately to higher ground and away from the beach area. Do not go to the coast to watch the tsunami. 
What you should do

Tsunami waves are more powerful than the same size beach waves, with the first wave not necessarily being the largest.   

Do not go to the coast or beach to watch the tsunami. 

If on the beach,  in or near the water edge
  • You should get out of the water and move well away from beaches, marinas, harbours, breakwaters, boardwalks, tidal rivers and rock fishing platforms.
  • People using personal craft (eg surfboards, jetboats, windsurfers, kayaks, paddleboats etc) should return to shore or land, secure the equipment and move well away from the waterfront.
  • Boats in harbours, estuaries and in shallow coastal water should return to shore and secure their vessels and move people, vehicles and trailers away from the ocean.
  • Vessels already at sea should stay offshore in water at least 25 metres deep until further advised.
If you are on land
  • Move to higher ground away from the coast - at least one kilometre away from all beaches and harbours.
  • Check your neighbours have received this advice.
  • 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.
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:
  • Dangerous waves that are more powerful than the same size beach waves, with the first wave not necessarily being the largest. 
  • Strong ocean currents and rips 
  • Flooding in low-lying coastal areas, including coastal streams, beach car parks and playgrounds 
  • Damage to marine facilities and boats 
  • Overtopping of sea walls 
  • Significant sea level variations for hours or days.
Take care in other coastal areas where low-level effects may be observed.
This message was issued by State Emergency Service.

The next update is expected by 26/08/2026 05:00 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.