WELLINGTON, March 24 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's White Island has experienced a small volcanic eruption, sending up a brief plume of ash late Tuesday, authorities said.
Earth Sciences New Zealand reported that the eruption occurred at 5:35 p.m. local time, producing a small pulse of dark grey volcanic ash that rose about 1,300 meters before quickly dissipating, which was captured on cameras from the Bay of Plenty mainland on New Zealand's North Island.
The volcanic alert level was raised to 3, indicating minor volcanic activity, while the aviation color code was lifted to orange. Experts warned that the activity could re-escalate without warning, but ashfall affecting the mainland remains unlikely.
The White Island, 48 km off the North Island, showed steam emissions recently. ■
