Whakaari/White Island has had its alert level lowered back to two after a minor volcanic eruption saw the alert levels raised to three temporarily.
Following the minor eruption earlier today, GNS Science volcanologists took an “observation flight” this afternoon to establish the state of the volcano.
“Two of our volcanologists took an observation flight around the island this afternoon and noted that the volcano is not currently erupting, there is no new activity since this morning and observed a thin green deposit on the outside of crater wall indicating there had been an eruption,” GeoNet said.
“[Having found] no evidence of further eruptions since this morning, the Volcanic Alert Level returned to VAL2”, which is where the volcano sat on the alert scale prior to Friday morning’s eruption.
A follow-up flight is scheduled for Monday, “for any signs of unrest or further activity”.
Minor volcanic eruption
GNS Science volcanologist Yannik Behr earlier said a “vigorous” steam plume was observed above the island at around 8.20am on Friday.
“As we have no sensors on the island we are relying on webcams and satellite imagery to assess the situation.”
Limited information meant there was no clear indication if there was ash in the plume, he said.
“If there was, it would be unlikely to reach the mainland under current wind conditions.”
The Aviation Colour Code was raised to Orange, meaning a volcanic eruption was underway with no or minor ash emission.
Behr said the steam plume above the island has reverted to more normal levels.
An eruption of the volcano in 2019 killed 22 people and injured 25 others.
