Scientists watching Mt. Tongariro

Scientists in New Zealand warned on Thursday (Nov 22) that Mount Tongariro could erupt again without warning after the volcano sent a plume of ash four kilometres into the sky a day earlier.

Volcanologists said the risk of another sudden blast within days was significant.

Local media said last week temperatures were reported to be rising hundreds of metres beneath the volcano, and there was an increased chance of an eruption.

No injuries were reported from the eruption.

The Department of Conservation says their top priority is keeping people out of the immediate danger area, TVNZ said.

This was only the second time in over a century that the volcano erupted. The last time was in August of this year.