An Emergency Mobile Alert issued at 12.48pm by the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has ordered immediate evacuations from beachfront properties and areas prone to coastal flooding at Waimarama, Ocean Beach, Te Awanga and Haumoana.

The alert cites heavy swells from Cyclone Vaianu that are expected to worsen, and warns beach roads are likely to become impassable. Authorities say evacuation is required. People who have not yet left are being told to go now, take essential items including pets, and stay with friends or family. If lives are in immediate danger, call 111.

Civil Defence says more properties were added to the evacuation list overnight. A map of identified properties and evacuation information is available at www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/cyclone-vaianu/. Further updates will be posted at www.hbemergency.govt.nz, and residents are advised to keep listening to local radio.

The alert is classified as Observed and Severe.