Across asia: New zealand

Huge mudflow 'inevitable'

A crater lake on a New Zealand volcano used as a backdrop in the "Lord of the Rings" films is on the verge of collapsing and could send a torrent of muddy water down the mountain in coming weeks, media reported yesterday.

Melting snow on Mount Ruapehu has filled the lake to within 1.5 meters of its lip, according to the New Zealand Herald newspaper.