An eruption may occur at any level, and levels may not move in sequence as activity can change rapidly.
All volcanoesEruption hazards depend on the volcano and eruption style, and may include explosions, ballistics (flying rocks), pyroclastic density currents (fast moving hot ash clouds), lava flows, lava domes, landslides, ash, volcanic gases, lightning, lahars (mudflows), tsunami, and/or earthquakes.
Volcanic unrest hazards occur on and near the volcano, and may include steam eruptions, volcanic gases, earthquakes, landslides, uplift, subsidence, changes to hot springs, and/or lahars (mudflows).
Volcanic environment hazards may include hydrothermal activity, earthquakes, landslides, volcanic gases, and/or lahars (mudflows).
*Ash, lava flow, and lahar (mudflow) hazards may impact areas distant from the volcano.
Whakaari/White Island volcano is now continuously passively erupting a small amount of volcanic ash. Consequently, the Volcanic Alert Level is raised to Level 3 (from 2) and the Aviation Colour Code to Orange (from Yellow). There are no threats to the mainland beyond a potentially noticeable sulphur smell and light ash fall. More explosive eruptions could occur suddenly and be a threat to life on the crater floor and the area immediately offshore, southeast from the island.
During the past few days, Whakaari/White Island volcano has continued to produce intermittent low-altitude plumes of steam and gas, with minor amounts of volcanic ash. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.
Ash has been intermittently observed in a low altitude plume from Whakaari/White Island. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.
Over this past week large steam and gas plumes were visible from the Bay of Plenty coast, enhanced by calm atmospheric conditions. An observation flight on Monday confirmed no explosive activity occurred. No eruptive activity has been observed since March, and the overall level of volcanic unrest remains unchanged. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code at Yellow.
One of the best things you can do is to be prepared.
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