Early warning system publicised

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 49, 26 May 1987, Page 4

Early warning system publicised

A series of posters entitled 'Volcanic Hazard Information, Tongariro National Park' based on Whakapapa Village and skifield will soon be appearing in profusion around the National Park. The posters depict aerial scenes of Whakapapa skifield and village and are marked clearly with assembly points in 'safe' areas for when an eruption causing a lahar occurs. A lahar is a volcanic mudflow, a torrential flow of water saturated with debris travelling at more than 50km/hour. Tongariro National Park senior ranger, Graeme Ayres, said the posters concentrate on 'when it

happens', not 'what if it happens'. About 500 posters will be printed and displayed in lodges, restaurants, skifield transport and residences around Whakapapa. Mr Ayres said the posters concentrate on informing the public of the correct procedures without resorting to scare tactics. The posters state clearly the steps to follow should an eruption occur, with step number one being 'don't panic'. Tne posters will be printed A4 size with detailed information on the back so that people in the vicinity of Whakapapa Village will know what to do should a 'whooper' type siren sound and similarly those on the skifield, should a fire-type siren sound. Mr Ayres said an evening to launch the posters may be held sometime in July. Turoa skifield is not covered by the lahar early warning system because it

is urilikely to be affected by this type of eruption. The high south wall of the

Ruapehu crater would protect Turoa from most if not all lahars.