An eruption at Mt Ruapehu has occurred at 8:23pm on 25 September 2007.

An eruption earthquake of magnitude 2.9 of seven minutes duration was recorded.

Pilot reports of an eruption cloud below 15,000 feet and developing have been received.

Reports of a lahar down the Whakapapa skifield have been received from ski field operators.

The ERLAWS warning system indicates a possible lahar in the Whangaehu catchment. It is possible that lahars have occurred in other catchments also.

This eruption is similar to, but larger than, the 4 October 2006 eruption, and is more reminiscent of the 1969 and 1975 eruptions.

This Alert Level will be reviewed throughout the night.

More information will be posted as it comes to hand.

Craig Miller
Duty Volcanologist