New Zealand volcanic eruption disrupts flights

A volcanic eruption belched a plume of ash that grounded flights in New Zealand on Thursday, with government scientists warning it could continue venting for "weeks to months" to come. The eruption occurred at White Island, the same volcano that erupted in 2019, resulting in the deaths of 22 people.

The former tourist destination lies about 50 kilometers off New Zealand's North Island, and 200 kilometers from Auckland, the country's largest city. National carrier Air New Zealand said 10 flights had been cancelled early Thursday as volcanic ash drifted across flight paths. New Zealand raised its volcanic alert level earlier this month to three, out of a maximum of five levels.