New Zealand's Mount Tongariro erupts againNovember 21, 2012 - 16:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - New Zealand's Mount Tongariro has erupted again, having rumbled back to life in August after more than a century of quiet, BBC News reported. The volcano, in the North Island, sent a column of ash at least 2km (1.25 miles) into the air, scientists said. There were no immediate reports of injuries, but hikers and a group of school children were being moved out of the national park. Before the August activity, the 1,978m (6,490 ft) peak last erupted in 1897. The latest eruption happened at around 13:25 local time (00:25GMT) and lasted for around five minutes, experts said. A release from the Ministry of Civil Defence said "minor volcanic activity" was occurring at the Tongariro - Te Maari craters and "could be hazardous in the immediate vicinity of the craters". "Light volcanic ash fall can be anticipated downwind of Tongariro", it said, potentially affecting the Waikato, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne and Bay of Plenty areas. Air New Zealand said it did not expect delays or cancellations as a result of the eruption, based on current information. It was "working closely with the relevant authorities to keep up to date with ash movement and forecasts" and would adjust flight routes if necessary. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |