Five people have been reported dead, and many more unaccounted for, as New Zealand records yet another Volcanic eruption at the White Island. The volcanic eruption happened on Monday at the White Island which is off the country’s North Island, at about 2: 11pm local time, with less than 50 tourists reported to be around the active volcano.
According to the report by Associated Press, the volcanic eruption happened in a tower of ash and steam while dozens of tourists were exploring the moon-like surface.
The report added that the Police Deputy Commissioner John Tims who spoke about the eruption, said the number of those who remained missing was in the double digits but he could not confirm an exact number. He said there were fewer than 50 people on the island when it erupted and 23 had been taken off, including the five dead.
Tims said experts had told them the island remained unstable but search and rescue teams wanted to get back as quickly as they could. He said there had been no contact with any of those who were missing.
He said both New Zealanders and overseas tourists were among those who were dead, missing or injured. He said most of the 18 who survived were injured and some had suffered severe burns.
Some of those involved were guests from the Royal Caribbean International cruise ship Ovation of the Seas.
“A number of our guests were touring the island today,” the company said. “We will offer all possible assistance to our guests and local authorities. Please keep all those affected in your prayers.”
The cruise ship, which had left from Sydney last week, was scheduled to sail to the capital Wellington on Monday night but the company said it would instead remain in the Tauranga port overnight until it learned more on the situation.