Scientists warn the volcano off the coast of North Island could continue to emit gases for “weeks to months” more.
New Zealand's White Island volcano has erupted, sending a huge plume of ash into the sky and forcing the cancellation of numerous flights.
National carrier Air New Zealand said 10 flights were cancelled on Thursday as volcanic ash spread across flight paths at some domestic airports.
Government scientists have warned that Whakaari, as it is known by the country's indigenous Maori people, could continue for “weeks to months”.
The volcanic island is located about 50km off New Zealand's North Island and 200km from Auckland, the country's largest city. It was once a popular tourist destination but has been off-limits since 2019, when a massive eruption of ash and steam killed 22 people visiting the island as part of a cruise.
Satellite images showed “minor eruptive activity” that began earlier this month, research institute GNS Science said in a monitoring bulletin.
The GNS said it believed the latest activity was part of “typical eruptive cycles” documented at Whakaari.
“This activity could continue for some time, weeks or months,” they said.
Scientists said some people on New Zealand's main islands might smell volcanic gas or experience mild irritation to their eyes or throat, although the effect would likely be minor.
New Zealand raised its volcanic alert level earlier this month to three, from a maximum of five levels.
