Mount Tongariro has erupted, light volcanic ash fall to be expected downwind of Tongariro... more

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GNS Science has reported that Mount Tongariro has erupted.

The eruption was captured on the Te Maari Crater camera at around 1.25pm this afternoon.

An operation is underway to get people off the Tongariro Crossing.

Volcanologists have advised that the Volcanic Alert is now Level 2.

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Brent Guy from the Department of Conservation told ONE News that the eruption was small.

He said it appears to be a gas eruption.

The Aviation Colour Code is now red, meaning that a significant amount of gas has been emmitted into the atmosphere.

Civil Defence has advised people to visit civildefence.govt.nz or follow @NZcivildefence on Twitter for Ministry of Civil Defence information on the eruption.

They have also told people living in or near the Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Bay of Plenty areas to stay indoors.

Meanwhile, a bus company has confirmed that around 100 teachers and children from Tamatea Intermediate were about two hours into a tramp on the Tongariro track. Bus drivers are waiting for children to come out.

And a staff member from the Skotel, a hotel on Mount Ruapehu said 6 to 8 guests are on the mountain.

DOC staff are working to evacuate them.