Ruapehu
Ruapehu, one of NZ’s active volcanos, erupted last night, covering its snowy top in black ash and seriously injuring a climber when a huge rock flew through the roof of his hut. See stuff.co.nz for the story and more pictures.
A steam and ash cloud was seen from Turoa ski-field when the volcano erupted for seven minutes without warning about 8.15pm.
GNS Science said it lost the signals from its equipment at the shelter, which indicated “significant action” at the top of the mountain.
GNS vulcanologist Brad Scott said the eruption generated a 2.8-magnitude volcanic quake.
Pilots flying in the area had reported an ash column of about 5000 metres.“It’s below the 15,000 foot level, and rising, so it sounds as though there’s been some ash associated with the eruption as well,” said GNS Science duty volcanologist Craig Miller.
“The MetService have recorded some signatures from an apparent ash cloud on their radar and aviation authorities are already keeping planes clear of the area,” he said.
Skiers staying in lodges on the mountain reported a glow from the mountain top.
