Earth Sciences New Zealand

Whakaari/White Island is continuously passively erupting small amounts of volcanic ash, prompting Earth Sciences New Zealand to raise the volcanic alert level. An observation flight on Tuesday confirmed a blanket of ash around the active vent, with a weak discharge of steam and gas. The agency says there is no evidence of an explosive eruption and that any significant impact on the mainland remains very unlikely, though a sulphur smell and light ashfall may be noticeable.