KEY POINTS:
How the drama unfolded:
10.06am:
One of three DOC sensors at Crater Lake registers unusual earth vibrations.
10.42am:
The same sensor sounds another warning
10.50am:
The same sensor repeats another warning
11.00am: (Approximation)
The other two sensors at Crater Lake start sounding. The lahar is thought to began to occur at this point, over a period of about 45 minutes.
12.00pm:
Police announce closure of SH1 between Rangipo and Waiouru. SH49 between Waiouru and Ohakune is also closed. All rail services stopped at Waiouru and Ohakune.
12.45pm: (Approximation)
DOC sensors return to their normal background reading.
1.00pm (Approximation)
Whangaehu River levels peak just after 1.
3.55pm:
SH1 between Rangipo and Waiouru reopened.
4.29pm:
SH49 between Waiouru and Ohakune reopened
4.30pm:
Tangiwai rail bridge reopened subject to a 25 kph speed limit
