A moderate explosive eruption at White Island has forced GNS scientists to raise the alert level from yellow to orange.

The eruption at about 8pm lasted about one minute based on data from acoustic and seismic sensors, reports GNS Science.
Increased volcanic activity at White Island has caused the alert level and aviation colour code to be raised.

Duty volcanologist Arthur Jolly says the eruption was confirmed by subsequent analysis of web camera images during daylight hours.

'As a consequence of this activity the volcanic alert level is now raised to Level 2 and the aviation colour code to orange.

'Observations from the web cameras show an explosive eruption producing an ash cloud column that expanded across the Main Crater floor.”

Arthur says new mud deposited on the crater floor is evident in the web camera images from the crater rim this morning.

'The present activity is a continuation of the unrest observed at White Island for the past 15 months and hazardous eruptions of this type may occur with no warning.

'This eruption is larger than recent events and would have been life threatening to people on the island.” Read more about White Island's eruption earlier this week here.