Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
For the latest updates see www.trc.govt.nz/civil-defence

No ashfall for Taranaki from Tongariro eruption

7 August 2012

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.

Shane Briggs
Senior Emergency Management Officer

For media enquiries
Public Information Manager
0800 900 049
Email pim@cdemtaranaki.govt.nz

The following may be helpful before the ash arrives:

Put all machinery inside a garage or shed, or cover with large tarpaulins to protect them from volcanic ash.
Bring animals and livestock into closed shelters to protect them from volcanic ash.
Protect sensitive electronics and do not uncover until the environment is totally ash-free.
Water supplies can be affected so it is a good idea to store drinking water in containers and fill bathtubs and sinks with water.
Disconnect drainpipes/downspouts from gutters to stop drains clogging. If you use a rainwater collection system for your water supply, disconnect the tank from the downpipes to stop ash entering the tank.
Check on friends and neighbours who may require special assistance.
Keep animals indoors where possible, wash away ash on their paws or skin to keep them from ingesting the ash, and provide clean drinking water.

Last updated: Tuesday, August 7, 2012