No further detections of ash emissions at Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic Alert Level lowered to 2 and Aviation Colour Code to Yellow.
Based on observations in recent weeks, including webcam and satellite imagery, no further ash emissions have been detected at Whakaari/White Island. The Volcanic Alert Level is lowered to 2 and the Aviation Colour Code to Yellow.
Since 17 April, Whakaari/White Island was undergoing a minor volcanic eruption. This was primarily based on satellite detections of volcanic ash from the island. Observations from GeoNet cameras in the Bay of Plenty and satellite imagery over the past four weeks and a monitoring flight today has confirmed the eruption has stopped, with no detectable ash emissions from the volcano.
Observations from our cameras at Whakatāne and Te Kaha and a monitoring flight today have shown that the level of activity from the active vent area has decreased, with no indications of eruptive activity or ash emissions in the last four weeks. Over the same period, our colleagues at MetService have not detected any volcanic ash in the plume using satellite imagery.
We have carefully evaluated the level of volcanic activity and have lowered the Volcanic Alert Level to 2 (moderate-heightened unrest) and the Aviation Colour Code to Yellow. These levels acknowledge the current level of activity but also reflect the degree of uncertainty about the unrest level due to the current lack of real-time monitoring data from the island – volcanic activity could escalate with little or no warning. Further sudden, more explosive events could therefore affect the crater floor area and immediate vicinity of the island.
GNS Science’s 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.
Further information about the Volcanic Alert Levels and what they mean can be found here.
For information about the impacts of the steam and gas plume should it reach the coast, follow the advice from:
- Bay of Plenty Emergency Management
- NEMA: What to do during volcanic activity
- Toi Te Ora Public Health: Volcanic Activity
Oliver Lamb
Duty Volcanologist
Media contact: 021 574541 or media@gns.cri.nz