12 Mar 2011

Tsunami reaches French Polynesia

7:43 am on 12 March 2011

The red alert in the south of French Polynesia has been lifted.

But local radio says three waves have reached Tahiti.

The reports say at the Papenoo surf beach the sea retreated and the waves inundated beachfront gardens.

The wave was estimated to be two metres.

The city of Papeete is reported to be empty, with all shops closed.

The airport of Tahiti has also been closed.

Passengers who have just arrived in Tahiti have been moved to higher ground.

The Marquesas Islands in the north of the territory are still on red alert.

All traffic is banned and people have been moved to higher ground as waves of up to three meters are expected.