CDEM Volcanic Update 8.30am

Tuesday, 7 August 2012 8:30 a.m.

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is on standby and continuing to monitor volcanic activity in the region following the overnight eruption of Mount Tongariro.

GNS Science is monitoring the situation and has issued a Volcanic Alert Bulletin which retains the volcanic alert level as Level 2 but increases the Aviation Colour Code from Orange to Red. Ash cloud predictions are usually issued every 6 hours.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is also monitoring the situation and has issued a Potential Threat to New Zealand Advisory which remains in place for:

• Waikato
• Hawkes Bay
• Gisborne
• Manawatu-Wanganui
• Bay of Plenty
• Taranaki

The National Crises Management Centre has not been activated.

The Bay of Plenty CDEM Group has been in contact with the Waikato Regional and local Civil Defence Emergency Management and has offered its support if required.

The next update is expected later this morning.