Response Shortly after the earthquake, people escaped to the Marine Parade Beach. After noticing that the shoreline had receded, they ran away in panic under the expectation that a tsunami was on its way. There was, however, no tidal wave; the receded shoreline was caused by the land moving upwards.thumb|Telegram from King George V to Governor-General of New Zealand, 3 February 1931On 4 February over 5,000 people evacuated Napier, mainly women and children. Men were expected to stay to help out with the recovery. The army and navy also arrived in Napier to help with the recovery. Nelson Park served as Napier's "evacuation centre" which was the site of many tents and was able to cater for over 1,000 people from a field kitchen. Many people also lived in tents in Marine Parade and other places. There were several places that gave out free food in Napier and Hawke's Bay, such as in several schools. Water barrels were also kept full to allow for people to take from them, after losing water access from their homes.
Response Shortly after the earthquake people escaped to the Marine Parade Beach After noticing that the shoreline had receded they ran away in panic under the expectation that a tsunami was on its way There was however no tidal wave; the receded shoreline was caused by the land moving upwardsthumb|Telegram from King George V to Governor-General of New Zealand 3 February 1931On 4 February over 5000 people evacuated Napier mainly women and children Men were expected to stay to help out with the recovery The army and navy also arrived in Napier to help with the recovery Nelson Park served as Napier's "evacuation centre" which was the site of many tents and was able to cater for over 1000 people from a field kitchen Many people also lived in tents in Marine Parade and other places There were several places that gave out free food in Napier and Hawke's Bay such as in several schools Water barrels were also kept full to allow for people to take from them after losing water access from their homes