Minor eruption at Whakaari/White Island, alert level raised

A minor volcanic eruption at Whakaari/White Island has caused a "vigorous steam plume" above the island.

The eruption, which occurred at 8:20am on Friday, prompted Geonet to raise the Volcanic Alert Level to 3, the third highest alert level setting that means there are eruption hazards near the volcano's vent.

GeoNet is continuing to assess the situation using satellite imagery. 

"Based on our limited information there were no clear indications of ash in the plume and if there was it would be unlikely to reach the mainland under current wind conditions," it said.

"The steam plume above the island has now reverted to more normal levels."

Located off the coast of Bay of Plenty, Whakaari is New Zealand's most active volcano. In December 2019, the volcano erupted, killing 22 people and injuring 25 others who were touring the island.

A long legal process followed the 2019 eruption with the victims awarded a total of $10 million in compensation earlier this year.

The company managing the privately-owned island, Whakaari Management, was convicted. Several other parties were sentenced for health and safety management failures.

Newshub.