The eruption at Whakaari/White Island appears to have stopped, prompting scientists to lower the volcano’s alert status after several days without any signs of eruptive activity.

Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Volcano Monitoring Group on Monday reduced the Volcanic Alert Level from 3 to 2 and downgraded the Aviation Colour Code from Orange to Yellow.

Duty volcanologist Yannick Behr said no evidence of continued eruptive activity had been observed since October 29, when the last ash emissions were detected.

Monitoring through webcams, satellite imagery and gas measurements has since shown a marked decline in activity.

Scientists said no ash emissions had been observed in satellite or camera data, while no sulphur dioxide gas emissions had been detected over the past week.

Recent volcanic activity included weak ash emissions and gas plumes that were observed from cameras in Whakatāne and Te Kaha, as well as by satellite monitoring.

A tourist flight over the island on October 31 recorded an elevated steam and gas plume. While scientists could not rule out the presence of small amounts of ash, any emissions were too minor to be detected by remote monitoring systems.

Although the eruption appears to have stopped, volcanologists warned Whakaari remains an active volcano and activity could increase again with little or no warning.

Sudden explosive eruptions remain possible and could generate hazardous ash clouds, gas surges and ballistic volcanic debris in and around the island.

Scientists said significant impacts on the mainland remain unlikely unless volcanic activity increases substantially. Any aviation hazards will continue to be monitored through MetService’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre.

Monitoring of the volcano remains challenging as there is currently no functioning instrumentation on the island. Scientists are relying on mainland-based cameras, satellite observations and occasional aerial surveys to track activity.

Whakaari, located about 48km offshore from Whakatāne, remains at Volcanic Alert Level 2, indicating moderate to heightened volcanic unrest.