Volcanic Alert Level Raised For Whakaari/White Island
- Jessica Doney
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Earth Sciences New Zealand have raised the Volcanic Alert Level for Whakaari/White Island following a possible eruption yesterday afternoon.
Observations from the GeoNet cameras showed that a possible small-low energy eruption occurred yesterday at around 12:30pm.
"Our colleagues at MetService have not detected volcanic ash in the observed plumes using satellite imagery. The event seems to have lasted for a few minutes and is now over," Duty Volcanologist, Agnes Mazot says.
The Volcanic Alert Level has been raised to Level 3, which indicates a minor volcanic eruption. The Aviation Colour Code has also been raised to Orange.
The Volcanic Alert Level will soon be reassessed by their Volcano Monitoring Group. Mazot says, any significant changes in activity during that period will be communicated via VAB.
Earth Sciences NZ Volcano Monitoring Group and National Geohazards Monitoring Centre will continue to closely monitor Whakaari/White Island for any changes in activity.
"Without sensors on the Island, our monitoring continues to rely on remote cameras, satellite imagery, and periodic observation and gas flights to monitor Whakaari/White Island. We will provide further updates when information becomes available," Mazot says.
