News / International
New Zealand volcano erupts for the first time in 115 years
06 Aug 2012 at 23:00hrs | Views
Wellington - A volcano has erupted in New Zealand for the first time in 115 years and planes have been warned of significant ash release.
Volcanic ash fell in areas near Mount Tongariro in central North Island late on Monday night. GNS Science issued a red aviation code, the highest level, for planes in the region.
The ministry of civil defence and emergency management advised residents of five nearby communities to stay indoors and to protect their eyes, mouth and nose if they were caught in volcanic ash.
Mount Tongariro is one of three volcanoes inside Tongariro National Park. Monday's eruption was the mountain's first in decades.
New Zealand is on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has frequent seismic activity.
An earthquake last year in Christchurch on South Island killed 185 people and destroyed much of the city's downtown.
Volcanic ash fell in areas near Mount Tongariro in central North Island late on Monday night. GNS Science issued a red aviation code, the highest level, for planes in the region.
The ministry of civil defence and emergency management advised residents of five nearby communities to stay indoors and to protect their eyes, mouth and nose if they were caught in volcanic ash.
New Zealand is on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has frequent seismic activity.
An earthquake last year in Christchurch on South Island killed 185 people and destroyed much of the city's downtown.
Source - AFP | Guardian
