7 August 2012
A volcano has erupted on New Zealand’s North Island, spreading a thick layer of ash for several miles and causing residents to evacuate their homes. Some domestic flights were cancelled.
Scientists say they noticed increased seismic activity below Mount Tongariro for weeks but got no specific warning before the volcano blew late last night. The eruption of ash and rocks lasted for 30 minutes and didn’t cause any injuries or damage in the sparsely populated central North Island region, a designated national park
