Mt.Tongariro Erupts in New Zealand, Surrounding Areas Evacuates

Mount Tongariro has erupted, with ash fall closing roads and prompting a potential threat warning for central North Island regions of New Zealand.

Mount Tongariro has erupted, sending red hot rocks and ash from its Te Mari crater, GNS Science says. A potential threat warning was issued for central North Island regions following the eruption at 11.50 pm last night.

Civil Defence says the volcanic activity could pose a threat to the Waikato, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Manawatu-Wanganui, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki regions.

People living in those areas are being advised to say indoors with all windows and doors closed and listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.

The eruption has closed the Desert Road section of State Highway 1 and State Highway 46 west of Rangipo, across the northern side of the mountain.

Police are sending search and rescue teams up Mt Tongariro, to check no one is stranded in huts. However, they say there have been no reports of injuries or damage.