No changes at White Island following magnitude 5.9 quake

The earthquake that rattled Eastern Bay residents on Sunday has had no impact on Whakaari White Island, according to GNS Science.

It says there's been no change in activity at the volcano after the magnitude 5.9 earthquake, that occurred beneath eastern Bay of Plenty on Sunday.

The Volcanic Alert level remains at 2.

GNS Science says gas emissions continue to be high to moderate since last Monday and volcanic tremor remains at moderate levels.

A few earthquakes have also happened near the island and gas-driven fountaining activity continues to be observed, but its crater lake level remains unchanged.

Overall, GNS says parameters continue to be in the expected range for moderate volcanic unrest and associated hazards and it says the monitoring observations are similar to those seen in the more active 2011—2016 period.

It thinks this might suggest Whakaari/White Island is entering a period where eruptive activity is more likely than normal.

The volcano is being closely monitored.