Volcano spews ash on New Zealand's north Island

A volcano has erupted in New Zealand and planes have been warned of significant ash release. Volcanic ash fell in areas near Mount Tongariro in central North Island late Monday night. GNS Science issued a red aviation code, the highest level, for planes in the region. The Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management advised residents of five nearby communities to stay indoors and to protect their eyes, mouth and nose if they were caught in volcanic ash. Mount Tongariro is one of three volcanoes inside Tongariro National Park. Monday's eruption was the mountain's first in decades, AP reported.