Whakaari/White Island alert level raised to 3 amid ash eruption

Whakaari/White Island is continuously erupting small amounts of volcanic ash, prompting officials to raise the Volcanic Alert Level from 2 to 3. The Aviation Colour Code has also been raised from yellow to orange. This change follows an observation flight on Tuesday afternoon that confirmed activity had shifted from intermittent emissions to a weak, ongoing eruption.

The discharge is currently described as weak and passive, with no evidence that an explosive eruption has occurred. A blanket of ash has accumulated around the active vent in the Main Crater and is spread thinly across the crater floor and the island's outer flanks. Vent temperatures have increased significantly from approximately 100C last week to about 395C.

Scientists warn that volcanic activity could escalate with little or no warning. Sudden explosive events could throw rocks across the Main Crater and produce pyroclastic flows, threatening anyone on the crater floor or immediately offshore to the southeast.

There is no significant threat to the mainland, though people may notice a sulphur smell or light ashfall during onshore winds. Monitoring remains limited because there is no functioning monitoring equipment on the island, forcing scientists to rely on satellite data, mainland observations, and occasional flights.

Where reports differ

• One report notes the vent size and shape has remained unchanged since October 12, while others do not mention this specific date

Compiled from reports by Stuff, 1News, Otago Daily Times and NZ Herald.