Volcano eruption five people dead several injured in New Zealand

 

A volcano has erupted in New Zealand’s White Island, leaving five people dead and several unaccounted for according to police.

Tourists were seen walking inside the crater of White Island moments before Monday’s eruption. 23 people have been rescued from the White Island  which is also called Whakaari, the country’s most active volcano.

The privately owned island is a tourist destination with frequent day tours and scenic flights available.

John Tims, the Deputy Police Commissioner said fewer than 50 people including both New Zealand and international tourists were on the island when the volcano erupted. Some of the injured are in a critical condition.

The eruption of White Island began at about 14:11 local time (01:11 GMT) sending up a thick plume of ash and vapour.  A live feed from the volcano showed a group of visitors inside the crater before images went dark.

GeoNet, the Geographical hazard monitoring group warned last week that White Island may be entering a period where eruptive activity is more likely than normal, and currently the alert level is three indicating a risk of a minor volcanic eruption.

There were 24 visitors from Australia, nine from the US, five from New Zealand, four from Germany, Two from China, two from UK and one from Malaysia.

The first victim to be identified was tour guide Hayden Marshall Inman, a local of nearby Whakatane and the second person confirmed to have died is from Malaysia.

Two British women were among those receiving treatment.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said  that 24 Australians were on board a cruise ship exploring the island in the Bay of Plenty when the volcano erupted and he feared three of five confirmed dead were Australian.

The volcano erupted in two explosions in quick succession.