New Zealand Raises Volcanic Alert Following White Island Ash Emissions

New Zealand raised its volcanic alert level on Wednesday as ash emissions continued at White Island, also known as Whakaari, an active volcano off the country’s North Island.

Earth Sciences New Zealand said the eruption posed no significant threat to the mainland, although residents could notice a sulphur smell and light ashfall, Radio New Zealand reported. Authorities also raised the aviation colour code to orange, designated Level III.

Located approximately 48 kilometres off the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Whakaari is an active andesite stratovolcano.

According to Earth Sciences New Zealand, volcanic ash had accumulated around the active vent in the Main Crater, while a small quantity was being carried upward by a plume of steam and gas.

Scientists described the emissions as weak and reported no evidence of an explosive eruption.

The agency warned that the volcanic activity could persist for several weeks but emphasized that a significant impact on mainland New Zealand remained highly unlikely.

It added that volcanic activity would need to intensify considerably before the risk to the mainland increased substantially.