This morning (Friday 24 May) at 08:20 am, a minor volcanic eruption occurred at Whakaari/White Island. Through a Whakatāne based camera we observed a steam and gas plume rising over 2km above this island, this has now reverted to more normal levels.

In response to the activity, this morning the Volcanic Alert Level was raised from VAL2 to VAL3, which means minor volcanic eruption. Following an observation flight this afternoon and no evidence of further eruptions since this morning, the Volcanic Alert Level returned to VAL2.

View: the Whakatāne Volcano Camera

No impact was expected to the mainland because of the minor size of the eruption and the south-westerly wind, meaning that any ashfall was directed offshore. Over the last 30-40 years it has been rare for ash from Whakaari / White Island to reach the coast.

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.

Whakaari / White Island is currently New Zealand’s most active cone volcano, sitting 48 kilometres offshore Whakatāne. The cone has been built up by continuous volcanic activity over at least 150,000 years. The island covers an area of around 325 hectares, and this is only about 30 per cent of the volcano’s mass - the rest is under the sea.

What next

GNS Science’s National Geohazards Monitoring Centre and Volcano Monitoring Group, through the GeoNet programme, continues to monitor Whakaari / White Island for any signs of unrest or further activity. GNS and GeoNet channels will be updated as more data is made available. A follow up gas flight is booked for Monday weather permitting.

2019 eruption

A fatal explosive volcanic eruption occurred at 2:11pm on Monday 9 December 2019. Tragically some visitors and guides on the island at the time were killed, and many injured.

We understand that some people might find this news unsettling. The All Right? website has great resources where you can read and talk about any concerns that you have.

Preparedness

The Volcanic Alert Level reflects the current level of volcanic unrest or activity and is not a forecast of future activity at a volcano. Eruptions can still occur with little or no warning.

The National Emergency Management Agency's (NEMA) Get Ready website has information on what to do before, during and after volcanic activity.

If anyone in the Bay of Plenty community is concerned, please refer to the Bay of Plenty Emergency Management website here.

EQC Toka Tū Ake have information for preparing your home for natural hazards.

Find out more about Whakaari volcano

How do we monitor our volcanoes?

Media Contact: 021 574 541 or media@gns.cri.nz