Minor eruption at Whakaari/White Island

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.