White Island, 48km offshore from Bay of Plenty, is New Zealand's most active cone volcano, built up by continuous volcanic activity during the past 150,000 years.
An eruption is currently happening at New Zealand’s Whakaari/White Island.
Unconfirmed reports said up to 20 people were on or near the island at the time of the eruption and a rescue helicopter is on the way, The New Zealand Herald reports.
Some of the people on the island have critical injuries and it’s understood up to 100 people may have been on the island at the time of the eruption.
White Island Tours boats were reportedly near the island.
The TECT Rescue Helicopter is currently on its way to White Island. Two Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters are also said to be on their way there.
Other rescue helicopters have not been dispatched at this stage.
