New Zealand

New Zealand volcano: At least one dead with number expected to rise

December 9, 2019 7:29 pm

A volcano has erupted in New Zealand, leaving one dead and several unaccounted for, police have said.

Tourists were seen walking inside the rim of the White Island crater just moments before the eruption.

Police said 23 people had been rescued but warned that the number of dead might rise.

Article continues after advertisement

White Island, also known as Whakaari, is off the coast of North Island – and is one of New Zealand’s most active volcanoes.

Despite that, the island is a tourist destination with frequent day tours and scenic flights available.

Visitor Michael Schade – who was on a boat leaving after a morning tour – filmed the blast, showing a thick plume of ash and smoke above the mountain.

A live feed from the volcano showed a group of visitors inside the crater before images went dark after the eruption.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there were “a number” of tourists on or around the island, both from New Zealand and overseas.

Ardern said she knows there will be a huge amount of concern and anxiety for those who have loved ones at the island at that time – and she assurea them police are doing everything they can.

She said police had launched a search and rescue operation but falling ash was hampering attempts to get to the site.

White Island has seen several eruptions over the years, most recently in 2016, but no one was hurt.