Wanganui District Council

Volcanic eruptions

New Zealand has seven active volcanic centres, all in the North Island. If you live in an active volcanic zone, plan to deal with the effects of an eruption. If you are in an area that could experience lahar flow during a volcanic eruption, know a quick route to safe ground.

The most likely effect on Wanganui District is from volcanic ash:
- Eastwards from Mt Taranaki.
- Southwards from Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro, Ngaruahoe or Taupo.

For more information about New Zealand's volcanoes, go to the GNS Science site or www.geonet.org.nz

What you can do to help yourself

When an eruption threatens:

Listen to your radio/television for information and advice.

Views of Mt Ruapehu erupting in 1995 and 1996.

During an eruption:

Stay indoors as much as possible.
If you go outside, wear a mask and goggles to protect your eyes and lungs from volcanic ash.
Sweep gutters and the roof clear of ash; heavy deposits can collapse the roof.
Stock up on water in containers at an early stage; supplies may become polluted.
Disconnect down pipes from water tanks.
Keep your pets inside as much as possible.

How to clean up after an ash fall:

Wetting down ash will form a glue-like material (not easy to remove) and add weight to the ash. The best method is to lightly damp the ash (to prevent it billowing) and to sweep it up.
Remove ash immediately (before rain if possible) but remember ash particles commonly have sharp broken edges making it a very abrasive material.
Clean house roofs first to reduce windblown ash covering cleaned areas or damage to guttering and blocking down-pipes.
Place ash in rubbish bags if possible and seal them.
Do not dump ash in the stormwater or sewage system.
Contact your council for information on the disposal of ash.
Prevent further ash entering the house by restricting access to the most protected (sheltered) entrance.
Vacuum indoor surfaces where possible or use a damp cloth to remove ash. Avoid vigorous rubbing.
To remove ash from your car, wash with plenty of water. Carry out car maintenance if you have been driving in ash. For example, check/change air filter, oil filter, oil and brake pads in car.
Clean electrical systems.
Dry ash should be blown off with high pressure air, while wet ash should be cleaned off by hand or with water at high pressure.

Volcanic eruptions

What you can do to help yourself

What is a lahar?