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No ashfall for Taranaki from Tongariro eruption

Tuesday 7 August 2012, 2:40PM

By Stratford District Council

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TARANAKI

The ash from last night’s eruption at Tongariro Volcano has fallen locally around the mountain and is being blown east. The area affected by ashfall does not include the Taranaki region.

The volcano continues to be monitored and at this stage there are no signs of further activity following the eruption.

An eruption occurred at Tongariro at approximately 11:50 pm on Monday, August 6.

Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and will release further information as it becomes available.

Ashfall from any future volcanic activity will be affected by wind conditions and could pose a threat to areas of the Taranaki region.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management advises that people experiencing ash fall should take the following precautions:

  • Stay indoors: volcanic ash is a health hazard, especially if you suffer from breathing difficulty. If outside, seek shelter (e.g. in a car or building).
  • When indoors, close all windows and doors to limit the entry of volcanic ash.
  • If caught in volcanic ash falls: Wear a dust mask or use a handkerchief or cloth over your nose and mouth; protect your eyes by wearing goggles. Wear eyeglasses, NOT contact lenses as fine ash will get under the lens.
  • Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions. Follow any evacuation orders issued by authorities. Refer to the back page of the Yellow Pages for evacuation advice.
  • Do not tie up phone lines with non-emergency calls.
  • Stay out of designated restricted zones. Effects of a volcanic eruption can be experienced many miles from a volcano.