Volcanic eruption

An eruption of Egmont Volcano (Mount Taranaki) is not a matter of 'if', it is a matter of 'when'.

Hazards from an eruption would include widespread ashfall, very fast moving mixtures of hot gases and volcanic rock, and massive lahars.

 If a life-threatening eruption is likely to occur, a Civil Defence emergency will be declared and the areas at risk will be evacuated.

This page has advice on how to prepare for and cope with a volcanic eruption, and background information on volcanic activity and how it is monitored.

Before a volcanic eruption

• Find out about the volcanic risk where you are - check the Taranaki Volcano Hazard Zone map
• Practice your evacuation plan with members of the household.
• Develop a Household Emergency Plan. Assemble and maintain your Emergency Survival Items for your home as well as a portable getaway kit.
• Include your pets and livestock in your emergency plan.

Useful links

Volcano hazard zones in Taranaki
Household emergency plan
Emergency survival items and getaway kit
Get your pets thru too

When a volcanic eruption threatens

• Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation.
• Put your emergency plan into action.
• If you have a disability or need assistance, make contact with your support network and keep informed of civil defence advice.
• Put all machinery inside a garage or shed, or cover with large tarpaulins to protect them from volcanic ash.
• Bring animals and livestock into closed shelters to protect them from volcanic ash.
• Protect sensitive electronics and do not uncover until the environment is totally ash-free.
• Water supplies can be affected so it is a good idea to store drinking water in containers and fill bathtubs and sinks with water.
• Check on friends and neighbours who may require special assistance.

Useful links

Taranaki radio frequencies

During a volcanic eruption

• Listen to the radio for civil defence advice and follow instructions.
• If outside at the time of eruption, seek shelter in a car or a building. If caught in volcanic ashfalls, wear a dust mask or use a handkerchief or cloth over your nose and mouth.
• Stay indoors as volcanic ash is a health hazard, especially if you have respiratory difficulties such as asthma or bronchitis.
• When indoors, close all windows and doors to limit the entry of volcanic ash. Place damp towels at thresholds.
• Do not tie up phone lines with non-emergency calls.
• If you have to go outside, use protective gear such as masks and goggles and keep as much of your skin covered as possible. Wear eyeglasses, not contact lenses as these can cause corneal abrasions.
• Disconnect drainpipes/downspouts from gutters to stop drains clogging. If you use a rainwater collection system for your water supply, disconnect the tank.
• Stay out of designated restricted zones.

Useful links

The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN), the US Cities and Volcanoes Commission, New Zealand's GNS Science and the US Geological Survey have prepared guidelines for those who experience volcanic ashfall. The guidelines include procedures to follow if warning of a volcanic ashfall is given, recommendations about what to do during ashfall, and what methods are most effective for cleaning up volcanic ash after the event.

Guidelines on Preparedness Before, During and After an Ashfall (425KB)

After a volcanic eruption

• Listen to your local radio stations for civil defence advice and follow instructions.
• Stay indoors and away from volcanic ashfall areas as much as possible.
• When it is safe to go outside, keep your gutters and roof clear of ash as heavy ash deposits can collapse your roof.
• If there is a lot of ash in the water supply, do not use your dishwasher or washing machine.
• Avoid driving in heavy ashfall as it stirs up ash that can clog engines and cause serious abrasion damage to your vehicle.
• Keep animals indoors where possible, wash away ash on their paws or skin to keep them from ingesting the ash, and provide clean drinking water.
• Use a mask or a damp cloth and eye protection when cleaning up. Moisten the ash with a sprinkler before cleaning.
• Look for and report broken utility lines.
• If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.

Useful links

Taranaki radio frequencies

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Understanding the hazard

Egmont Volcano is Taranaki's closest active volcano … yes, it is active and has erupted around nine times in the past 1,000 years, it's just been having a little rest since its last eruption around 1755.

The hazards of most concern are hot ash flows, mud flows and volcanic landslides. These are the hazards that can kill you if you get in the way!

Do you know which volcanic hazard zone you live in?

Do you know how far you will need to go if evacuated?

Earthquake activity around the volcano is monitored 24 hours a day with no signs of volcanic activity having been recorded since monitoring began in the 1990s. If this changes, the CDEM Group will advise the public. A photograph of the volcano is taken every hour and can be viewed on the GeoNet website (see link in navigation panel at right).

The Taranaki Regional Council monitors rainfall and river levels throughout Taranaki to provide flood warnings when necessary. The Council has also put considerable effort into identifying the volcanic hazards and was instrumental in establishing a volcano seismic monitoring network to monitor for earthquakes related to potential volcanic activity. The network is now part of the national GeoNet system. For more information, click on the link in navigation panel at right.

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Volcano seminar, September 2007

Four slide presentations from the seminar are posted below in PDF format. For PowerPoint presentations by these or other speakers at the seminar, email webmaster@trc.govt.nz.

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