Aviation code lowered to Yellow at Whakaari as steam-only activity continues; Alert Level stays at 2
Overflight confirms no ash emissions; lack of on-island sensors keeps the minimum Alert Level at 2 despite no current eruption.
The Aviation Colour Code for Whakaari/White Island has been lowered to Yellow, with GeoNet reporting no eruptive activity or ash emissions since Tuesday 24 March. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2.
An observation flight on 4 April saw a weak, white steam plume rising from the active vent. Thermal imagery put maximum vent temperatures around 100°C. There was no evidence of new ashfall on the island or ballistic blocks on the crater floor, and the volcano is not currently erupting.
Scientists caution that activity can escalate with little or no warning. Any future eruptions are most likely to affect the crater floor and the immediate vicinity of the island; ashfall on the mainland remains unlikely.
Because there is no real-time monitoring on the island, scientists cannot currently distinguish between Alert Level 1 and 2. As a result, Whakaari will remain at least at Level 2 until on-island sensors are reinstated. Monitoring continues via mainland cameras, satellite data, and periodic gas and observation flights by the Earth Sciences New Zealand Volcano Monitoring Group and the National Geohazards Monitoring Centre.
Authorities advise following guidance from Bay of Plenty Emergency Management, NEMA, and Health New Zealand regarding any impacts from steam and gas should plumes reach the coast. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
This article was originally written by AI. You can view the original source here.