FILE PHOTO: An aerial view of the Whakaari, also known as White Island, volcano, in New Zealand, Dec 12, 2019. - Photo: REUTERS
WELLINGTON (AFP): A volcanic eruption has grounded flights in New Zealand, with government scientists warning the activity could continue for "weeks to months".
The eruption occurred at White Island, the same volcano that erupted in 2019, resulting in the deaths of 22 people. The former tourist destination is located about 50km off New Zealand's North Island and 200km from Auckland, the country's largest city.
National carrier Air New Zealand reported that 10 flights were cancelled as volcanic ash drifted across flight paths at some domestic airports.
Satellite images showed that "minor eruptive activity" began earlier in the month, according to a monitoring bulletin from research institute GNS Science.
Scientists believe this is part of the "typical eruptive cycles" documented on White Island, also known as Whakaari to New Zealand's Indigenous Maori.
"This activity could continue for some time, weeks to months," the scientists said.
Experts stated that some people on New Zealand's main islands might smell volcanic gas or experience mild irritation to their eyes or throats, although the impacts would be minor.
New Zealand raised its volcanic alert level earlier this month to three, out of a maximum of five levels. Tours have been banned on White Island since the 2019 eruption. – AFP
