Volcanic eruption disrupts flights across New Zealand
A volcanic eruption has caused significant disruption to flights in New Zealand, with a huge ash cloud forcing flight cancellations on Thursday, August 22. Scientists warned that the volcano could continue to erupt for “weeks to months.”
The eruption occurred at White Island, also known as Whakaari in the local Maori language. The volcano last erupted in 2019, killing 22 people. Once a popular tourist destination, White Island is located about 50 kilometers from New Zealand’s North Island and 200 kilometers from Auckland, the country’s largest city. The volcano has become active again and is disrupting the country’s flight operations.
Air New Zealand, the country’s national airline, announced the cancellation of 10 flights due to volcanic ash drifting into flight paths at several domestic airports. The disruption underscores the widespread impact of volcanic activity on the nation’s air travel.
According to GNS Science, a famous research institute in New Zealand, satellite images show that “mild” eruption activity has been taking place since the beginning of the month. They point out that this is part of a “typical eruption cycle” previously observed on White Island.
Scientists warn that this volcanic activity can persist for a long time, from several weeks to several months. They also noted that some residents on New Zealand’s main islands may smell volcanic gases or experience mild eye or throat irritation, although these effects are expected to be minor.
Soon after, New Zealand raised the volcanic alert level to three out of five possible levels this month. Tours to White Island have been banned since the catastrophic 2019 eruption to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, reflecting the extreme caution and ongoing volcanic risk.
New Zealand is always on high alert, with both the government and people preparing for the possibility of a prolonged eruption. Disruptions to air travel and enhanced safety measures highlight the unpredictable nature of volcanic events and the importance of remaining vigilant in such times.
