Thursday, August 22, 2024 New Zealand’s White Island, also known as Whakaari, erupted on Thursday, sending a towering plume of volcanic ash into the atmosphere and disrupting air travel across the region. The eruption, which comes just four years after a deadly event on the same island claimed 22 lives, has led to significant concerns among scientists and aviation experts. The ongoing volcanic activity has forced the cancellation of flights and raised the alert level, with warnings that the venting could persist for weeks or even months.
The eruption on White Island, located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) off New Zealand’s North Island and 200 kilometers from Auckland, began earlier this month. According to GNS Science, New Zealand’s geoscience research institute, satellite images captured “minor eruptive activity” that was consistent with the volcano’s typical cycles. These cycles, documented over years of observation, suggest that this latest bout of activity could be prolonged, possibly lasting for an extended period.
“This activity could continue for some time, weeks to months,” GNS Science warned in a monitoring bulletin. The eruption has elevated concerns due to the recent history of the volcano, which has been under close scrutiny since the tragic 2019 eruption. That event not only devastated the island but also led to a complete halt of tourist activities, leaving Whakaari isolated and less monitored.
The volcanic eruption has already had immed.