WELLINGTON, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- Earth Sciences New Zealand has raised the volcanic alert level for the White Island after the volcano began continuously emitting small amounts of volcanic ash.
The agency said there was no threat to mainland New Zealand beyond the possibility of a noticeable sulfur smell and light ashfall, Radio New Zealand reported on Wednesday.
The aviation color code for the volcano has been raised to orange, the report said.
"The discharge was weak, with no evidence that any explosive eruption had occurred," Earth Sciences NZ was quoted as saying.
This activity is typical of eruption cycles seen on the island and may continue for weeks, the agency said.
The White Island, located 48 km off New Zealand's North Island in the Bay of Plenty region, is an active volcano and tourist attraction. Its December 2019 eruption killed 22 people and injured 25 others. ■
