New Zealand police say that five people have lost their lives in a volcanic eruption.
Authorities say a rescue operation is underway but the number of dead is likely to increase. Videos emerging on social media appear to show people near the crater shortly before the eruption.
Footage from Michael Schade shows the extent of the rescue operation.
Last photos: here are the White Island Tour operators rescuing people, timestamp 14:24 (~12-14 minutes after eruption). Endless gratitude to that crew for stepping up as first responders.
I took these and reporters welcome to use with attribution. pic.twitter.com/ITmY1jCezr
— Michael Schade (@sch) December 9, 2019
A volcanic eruption is occurring at White Island and is hazardous in the immediate vicinity of the volcano.
— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) December 9, 2019
While it was initially believed there were approximately 100 people on or near the island at the time of the eruption, we now believe there were fewer than 50.
There remain a number of people on the island who are unaccounted for.
MORE HERE: https://t.co/GST22ByeBR #whiteisland pic.twitter.com/ZV3WGeGPEK
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) December 9, 2019
The eruption occurred about 2:11pm local time.
While it was initially believed there were around 100 people near the site, police now believe there were fewer than 50.
There remain a number of people on the island who are unaccounted for.
Both New Zealanders and overseas tourists are believed to be involved.
My god, White Island volcano in New Zealand erupted today for first time since 2001. My family and I had gotten off it 20 minutes before, were waiting at our boat about to leave when we saw it. Boat ride home tending to people our boat rescued was indescribable. #whiteisland pic.twitter.com/QJwWi12Tvt
— Michael Schade (@sch) December 9, 2019
