A chilling new map shows the predicted death zone surrounding Mt Taranaki when it erupts.
Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) warns a volcanic event is "almost certain" within the next 50 years - and the consequences could be "catastrophic".
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"An eruption of Mt Taranaki could produce volcanic hazards such as tephra falls, pyroclastic density currents, lava flows, lahars, flooding, debris avalanches, sector collapses, lightning and volcanic gases," it says.
"During unrest and eruption significant earthquakes and ground deformation can also occur."
It's prepared a map showing the evacuation zones surrounding the mountain, along with a warning - if you stay in a Red Zone, death is almost certain.
Red Zone
"This zone, including Egmont National Park, comprises the area most at risk from life threatening hazards," CDEM warns.
"People who remain in this zone are unlikely to survive."
Orange Zone
"This zone includes the area over which significant ground based flows would extend," CDEM says.
"Orange Zone will be evacuated in anticipation of a significant local eruption once the evacuation of Red Zone is underway. Some people who remain in this zone may not survive."
Yellow Zone
"This zone is not generally at risk from life threatening hazards. It will however be subjected to varying degrees of ash deposits," CDEM notes.
"The need to evacuate this area will be determined by the severity of the eruption and its disruptive effects. This zone will be survivable, but conditions will be uncomfortable."
Green Zone
"This zone is generally sheltered from volcanic activity except for ash fall. People in this zone will be a little uncomfortable but this zone is survivable," CDEM says.
"People in this zone will need to demonstrate individual and community resilience and manage response and recovery activities."
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