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CIVIL
DEFENCE - VOLCANOES |
New
Zealand has 7 active volcanic centres – all in the North Island.
These have all erupted in the past, and are capable of doing so again.
AUCKLAND
More
than 50 eruptive centres have been recognised in the central Auckland area. A
large part of Metropolitan Auckland is at risk from future volcanic activity.
Rangitoto is the largest in the area, and last erupted about 750 years ago.
TARANAKI (EGMONT)
A major eruption here would produce
"Lahars" affecting many parts of Taranaki.
KAIKOHE /
WHANGAREI
The most recent eruption was Mt Te
Puke (near Waitangi) approximately 1500 years ago.
WHAKAARI (WHITE
ISLAND)
This volcano is active. A major
eruption would pose a tsunami threat to the Bay of Plenty coastline.
OKATAINA
Tarawera, which is part of this
group, last erupted in 1886. This eruption killed 153 people, and
destroyed the famous Pink and White Terraces.
TAUPO
Lake Taupo is the crater produced by a
major eruption (bigger than Krakatoa), which occurred about 1850 years
ago. This type of crater is called a
’caldera’.
TONGARIRO
This area includes Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu and
Tongariro. Activity on Ruapehu indirectly caused the Tangiwai disaster in 1953,
when a ’lahar’ destroyed a bridge above the Wangaehu River. ’Lahars’ have also
affected ski fields on Ruapehu in the past.
Ngauruhoe last erupted in 1975.
If expert volcanologists agree that a life-
threatening eruption is likely to take place, and they become aware of the
possibility early enough, a Civil Defence emergency would be declared and the
danger area evacuated ... that area may include YOUR home.
If you live in an active volcanic zone – assume
that you may have to deal with the effects of an eruption at some stage.
SOME PRECAUTIONS THAT YOU CAN TAKE ...
Before an eruption occurs
Organise your "GETAWAY
KIT" - include your "SURVIVAL KIT",
important documents and personal items (e.g. family photographs).
Maintain your "DISASTER
SURVIVAL KIT".
When an eruption threatens
Listen to
your radio for information and follow civil defence advice.
During an eruption
DO Save water in containers at an early stage – supplies may
become polluted.
DO Conserve water.
DO Stay indoors as much as possible.
DO Keep pets indoors.
DO Keep separate, clothes worn outside – volcanic ash is
difficult to get rid of. Take these off before entering a building.
DO Wear mask and goggles if you go outside – this will help to
keep volcanic ash out of eyes and lungs.
DO Keep below ridge lines in hilly terrain – the hill will
offer some protection from flying volcanic debris.
DO Keep gutters and roof clear of ash – heavy deposits can
collapse the roof.
DON’T Go sightseeing in a restricted area – it may endanger
your life and the lives of others who may have to rescue
DON’T Leave home unless advised to by Civil Defence or
Emergency Services.
Glossary
ASH
Very fine volcanic rock fragments.
LAHAR
A mudflow produced by erupted
material mixing with snow or water.
A lahar can also be produced when a crater lake bursts. This has
happened in the past on Ruapehu.
LAVA
Molten rock which flows from a
volcanic vent during an eruption, and which hardens as it cools, e.g. Rangitoto.
If you have to leave – take your "GETAWAY KIT" with you.
Turn off electricity and gas at the mains.
TEPHRA
Material erupted from a volcano and
carried great distances through the air. Size ranges from fine dust (ash), to
coarse fragments.
KNOW WHAT TO DO
BEFORE YOU HAVE TO DO IT! |
