Whakaari/White Island alert level lowered as volcanic activity decreases

Whakaari/White Island is an active volcano in the Bay of Plenty.

GeoNet is lowering Whakaari/White Island’s alert level as observed activity at Whakaari has decreased in recent weeks.

In an update on its website, GeoNet said the volcanic alert level has been lowered to two and the aviation colour code to yellow.

This was based on observations in recent weeks, including webcam and satellite imagery, which showed no further ash emissions had been detected.

Duty volcanologist Oliver Lamb said Whakaari/White Island had been undergoing a minor volcanic eruption since April 17.

“This was primarily based on satellite detections of volcanic ash from the island,” Lamb said.

“Observations from GeoNet cameras in the Bay of Plenty and satellite imagery over the past four weeks and a monitoring flight on Monday has confirmed the eruption has stopped, with no detectable ash emissions from the volcano.”

Observations from cameras at Whakatāne and Te Kaha and a monitoring flight on Monday have shown the level of activity from the active vent area had decreased, Lamb said, and there had been no indications of eruptive activity or ash emissions in the last four weeks.

Lamb said that MetService had not detected any volcanic ash in the plume using satellite imagery during that same period.

“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 would continue to closely monitor Whakaari/White Island for any changes in activity.

Without sensors on the island, GNS monitoring continued to rely on remote cameras, satellite imagery, and periodic observation and gas flights to monitor Whakaari/White Island.

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