New Zealand volcano Mount Taranaki set for catastrophic eruption that could devastate half the country and spark LIGHTNING storms
The popular landmark, 220 miles from Wellington, could do untold damage by triggering debris avalanches and even flooding
A VOLCANO in New Zealand is winding up for a catastrophic explosion which could devastate half the country, experts have warned.
The Mount Taranaki eruption could cause untold damage by sparking lightning storms, flooding and debris avalanches, according to authorities.
A civil defence plan for New Zealand's North Island found the popular tourist landmark was "almost certain" to erupt in the next 50 years.
The report said it could produce "volcanic hazards" including lava flows, lightning and volcanic gases, according to news.com.au.
It added: "An eruption of Mount Taranaki is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when."
Around 450,000 people visit the surrounding Egmont National Park each year, with hiking trails going to the mountain's 2500-metre high summit.
It's not just visitors in the firing line, with a number of nearby townships and infrastructure likely to be "severely affected" and in need of evacuation.
Moderate or large eruptions have taken place on the mountain about every 500 years.
Modelling shows the predicted likelihood of an eruption in any given year has nearly doubled, from 1.6 per cent to 3.1 per cent.
New Zealand’s seismic monitoring agency has three monitoring sites in the area, which authorities hope will provide warning signs when something does happen.
The last major eruption came was around 1655 and there are no immediate signs of volcanic activity right now.
Civil Defence group manager Craig Campbell-Smart told Radio NZ eruptions overseas highlighted the importance of being prepared for a major explosion.
In Hawaii, lava is still spewing from the Kilauea volcano, and in Guatemala, Volcan De Feugo is still clocking about five minor eruptions a day.
Read the latest news about volcanoes
Visitors to New Zealand who may been concerned have been advised none of the South Island’s mountains are active.
Sitting at one end of the Pacific Ring of Fire, volcanic activity has played a major role in the shaping of New Zealand’s landscape.
In recent years, much focus has been on the county’s largest active volcano, Mount Ruapehu in the central North Island, which erupted in 2007, nearly killing a climber.
A version of this story appeared on news.com.au