A volcanic eruption spewed an ash cloud that grounded flights in New Zealand. Scientists have warned that ash could continue to fall for "weeks to months" ahead.
This is the same White Island volcano that erupted in 2019, killing 22 people. The former tourist destination is located about 50 kilometres from New Zealand's North Island and 200 kilometres from Auckland, the country's largest city.
National carrier Air New Zealand said 10 flights were cancelled as volcanic ash drifted over some local airports.
Satellite images show "minor eruptive activity" that began earlier in the month, research institute GNS Science said.
This is part of the "typical eruptive cycles" documented on White Island, also known as Whakari to the country's indigenous Maori.
"Volcanic activity may continue for some time, weeks to months," the scientists warned.
Some people on New Zealand's main islands may smell volcanic gas or experience slight irritation to their eyes or throat, although the effects will be minor.
New Zealand raised its volcanic activity warning level earlier this month to three, from a maximum of five levels.
White Island tours banned after 2019 eruption I BGNES
