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).
Since Thursday 29 October no observations have pointed to eruptive activity. We have therefore lowered the Volcanic Alert Level to 2 and changed the Aviation Colour Code to Yellow.
Minor eruptive activity continues at Whakaari/White Island characterised by low altitude ash and gas plumes that are dispersed downwind. More explosive eruptions could occur suddenly and be a threat to life on the crater floor and the area immediately offshore, south-east of the island. There are no threats to the mainland, but residents may notice a sulphur smell or light ash fall during favourable wind conditions.
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.
One of the best things you can do is to be prepared.
You can do a lot to make your home safer and stronger for natural hazards. Every step you take helps reduce the impact on your family, so get started today.
