Volcanic eruption threat advisory cancelled
A national advisory from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) about Mount Tongariro's volcanic activity has been cancelled.
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group says it will continue to stay in contact with GNS Science to monitor volcanic activity in the region.
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) had earlier issued a volcanic activity potential threat advisory following an overnight eruption on Mount Tongariro. The eruption resulted in a light ash fall recorded to the north and east of the volcano.
However the latest assessment from GNS Science is that eruption activity has now subsided.
While white steam clouds have been observed at the historically active Te Maari craters area, there is no ash being produced from the volcano at present. There have been no lahars or pyroclastic flows or lava flows.
MCDEM says it is too early to predict the next series of events, but GNS Science expects heightened activity may continue for several weeks and is continuing to monitor the situation.
As with any volcano, an eruption could occur at Tongariro at any time with little or no warning. There remains an elevated level of risk, particularly on the northern slopes and valleys of the mountain.
A volcanic alert level for Tongariro volcano remains at alert level 2.
MCDEM advises a continued precautionary approach towards activities in the vicinity of the Tongariro volcano, and for people to stay clear of restricted areas and to check with Department of Conservation on status of roads and National Park access.
Additional warnings may be issued should the activities of the volcano change. People can obtain up to date information online from www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz .