Volcano on NZ island erupts, spews ash
Source: Agencies |
August 8, 2012, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
A volcano has erupted on New Zealand's North Island, spreading a layer of thick ash for several kilometers and causing some nearby residents to evacuate their homes. Some domestic flights were canceled.
Scientists say they noticed increased seismic activity below Mount Tongariro for weeks but got no specific warning before the volcano blew on Monday night. The eruption of ash and rocks lasted about 30 minutes and didn't cause any injuries or damage in the sparsely populated central North Island region - a designated national park.
The park is a popular tourist destination and formed the backdrop for many scenes in the "Lord of the Rings" movies.
The eruption did prompt some nearby residents to evacuate as a precautionary measure, and caused authorities to temporarily close roads. National carrier Air New Zealand canceled or delayed domestic flights to towns near the mountain. No international flights were affected.
Police said a witness described flashes and explosions followed by a cloud of ash coming from a hole in the north face of the mountain.
Steve Sherburn, a volcanologist at the government agency GNS Science, said the eruption spread a layer of ash several centimeters thick for several kilometers.
New Zealand is part of the Pacific's "Ring of Fire" and has frequent geothermal and seismic activity. However, the last verified eruption of Mount Tongariro occurred in 1897.
Scientists say they noticed increased seismic activity below Mount Tongariro for weeks but got no specific warning before the volcano blew on Monday night. The eruption of ash and rocks lasted about 30 minutes and didn't cause any injuries or damage in the sparsely populated central North Island region - a designated national park.
The park is a popular tourist destination and formed the backdrop for many scenes in the "Lord of the Rings" movies.
The eruption did prompt some nearby residents to evacuate as a precautionary measure, and caused authorities to temporarily close roads. National carrier Air New Zealand canceled or delayed domestic flights to towns near the mountain. No international flights were affected.
Police said a witness described flashes and explosions followed by a cloud of ash coming from a hole in the north face of the mountain.
Steve Sherburn, a volcanologist at the government agency GNS Science, said the eruption spread a layer of ash several centimeters thick for several kilometers.
New Zealand is part of the Pacific's "Ring of Fire" and has frequent geothermal and seismic activity. However, the last verified eruption of Mount Tongariro occurred in 1897.
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