New Zealand’s White Island volcano erupts, flights grounded
Ten flights were canceled on Thursday, according to national carrier Air New Zealand, as volcanic ash drifted across flight paths at certain domestic airports.The nation’s indigenous Maori people refer to the phenomenon as Whakaari, and government scientists have warned that it may last for “weeks to months” yet.
The volcanic island is located 50 kilometers off the North Island of New Zealand and about 200 kilometers from Auckland, the country’s capital. It was once a popular vacation destination, but since 2019, it has been closed to the public due to a massive eruption of steam and ash that killed 22 people who were visiting the island while on a cruise.
Research institute GNS Science said that “minor eruptive activity” that started earlier in the month was visible on satellite images in a monitoring bulletin.
The latest activity appears to be a part of the “typical eruptive cycles” that have been seen on Whakaari, according to the GNS.
“This activity could go on for a while, weeks to months,” they said.
Scientists warned that some residents of New Zealand’s main islands may smell volcanic gas or experience mild throat or eye irritation, though the effects were likely to be minor.
