Mt Doom erupts in New Zealand's North Island

Tuesday, 7 August 2012 9:00 AM

Mount Tongariro, one of three volcanoes in New Zealands Tongariro National Park, has erupted - resulting in travel chaos across the North Island.

The national park is a popular spot with hikers and tourists, particularly since staring as 'Mount Doom' in the Lord of the Rings movies. However, the eruption has come as quite a surprise - Mount Tongariro has been dormant for around 115 years.

It is not yet known if this eruption was a single event or if it signalled the start of more activity although New Zealand is part of the Pacific Ocean "Ring of Fire" and has frequent geothermal and seismic activity.

Immediately following the eruption, Air New Zealand flights to Gisborne, Rotorua, Taupo and Napier and Palmerston North, were delayed or cancelled and flights to and from Napier may still be affected.

The main state highway was also closed, but has since reopened.

There have been no reports of injuries or damage after the eruption and no evacuations have been ordered, but some residents have opted to leave.

 

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