Experts Will Assess Whaakari/White Island Activity in Flyover Today

Earth Science New Zealand experts will be assessing Whaakari/White Island today following continued smoke plumes over the weekend.

Volcanic Duty Officer Oliver Lamb said following the volcanic alert level upgrade last week, an expert will be assessing if conditions on the island have changed.

"We've had a few more reports over the weekend, including some photos, and it seems like low-level eruptive activity may have continued over the weekend."

The flyover will allow for gas measuring, inspection of ash in the plume and photos to be collected so experts can discuss what activity has occurred and what it may look like in the coming days. 

There is currently no concern about any larger explosions, but "there is a very extremely tiny risk of things falling away at the moment," Lamb said. 

If ash or gas levels have decreased, this could show volcanic activity has decreased slightly but "based on previous eruptive activity we've had in the past couple of years, it can suddenly start being active again at short notice."

Members of the public have expressed concern there has been damage to the volcano's rim, but Lamb said this does not appear to be the case. 

"We've double-checked the photos and we've double-checked the webcam imagery over the weekend and last week, and we can't see any obvious signs of any kind of collapse or damage to the island itself."

Steam or cloud can sometimes obscure the island from the mainland but " I can confirm that we haven't seen any changes in the shape of the island at the moment," he said. 
 

Anyone concerned about the what a severe escalation in eruptive activity could mean for them is encouraged to consult the Emergency Management Agency website. 

It has details around what to do in the event of an eruption or how to prepare for an eruption Lamb said.