Jun 17 1996, 9:30 am - Ruapehu Volcano

At about 06:30 this morning the level of volcanic tremor started to increase again at Mt. Ruapehu. Shortly afterwards (06:50) the first of several eruption plumes was seen above the volcano. Larger eruption pulses have been observed at 07:10 and 08:25. The pulses rose to elevations of several kilometres above Ruapehu carrying voluminous amounts of coarse ash. Large blocks rising to heights of 400 to 500 m metres have fallen to distances of 600 and 700 m from the vent. The second pulse which continues to the present time has been accompanied by a small lahar down the Whangaehu River valley. Ash fall has been recorded as far north as Turangi due to the prevailing southerly wind.

At this time we have a scientist on a helicopter flight to make an assessment at the volcano, and we will update the situation following reports from the flight.

This activity follows intense volcanic tremor on Saturday afternoon-evening and early on Sunday morning.

The Alert Level is now raised to 3, and will be re-evaluated as more information becomes available.

B.J. Scott (for C.J.N. Wilson)
Volcanology Programme Leader