White Island erupting: Plumes of smoke, reports of multiple injuries in Bay of Plenty
Whakaari/White Island erupted today. Photo / George Novak. Sketched by the Pan Pacific Agency.
AUCKLAND, Dec 9, 2019, NZ Herald. At least one person is dead after Whakaari/White Island erupted today, and “a number” of people are still unaccounted for, NZ Herald reported.
One fatality has been confirmed and there will likely be more, National Operation Commander Deputy Commissioner John Tims told a press conference at 6.35 today.
An active police search and operation is under way, the Prime Minister said at 6.30pm.
There were a number of tourists on or around the island at the time, Jacinda Ardern said.
“I know that there will be a huge amount of anxiety for those who had loved ones on the island at the time.”
“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,” police said in a statement earlier this afternoon. “Some of those people have been transported to shore, however a number believed to be on the island are currently unaccounted for.”
Emotional families of those affected are gathering at Whakatane wharf. People covered in ash can be seen arriving for treatment after being transported from rescue helicopters.
What we know so far
- An eruption began on White Island at 2.11pm.
- One person is confirmed dead, police say ‘there will likely be more
- Around 50 people around or on the island
- Some have been transported to shore, a number believed to be on the island are currently unaccounted for
- Several rescue helicopters are attending
- Emergency operation centre has been set up at Whakatane Hospital to work alongside Civil Defence
- Civil Defence is warning people who live close to White Island to stay indoors
- Air NZ said no flights have been delayed or cancelled
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