Copious gas and steam emissions from White Island volcano at about 08:30 local time this morning (image: GeoNet New Zealand)
A minor eruption occurred at the volcano this morning.
At about 08:20 local time, the GeoNet surveillance cameras observed as an increasingly rising steam-laden plume above the island. Due to a technical outage of sensors on the island, webcams and satellite imagery are the only sources of information. Based on the limited information available, there are no clear indications of ash in the plume, and if any ash were present, it is unlikely to reach the mainland under current wind conditions. The steam plume has now returned to normal levels.
Therefore, the GeoNet New Zealand raised the alert level for the volcano to Level 3.
Source: GeoNet New Zealand volcano activity update 24 May 2024