A major rescue operation is underway in New Zealand after the eruption of volcanic island, with fears as many as 100 people were in the vicinity at the time of the blast.
The New Zealand Herald reports Whakaari / White Island, situated in the North Island’s Bay of Plenty, erupted around 2.15pm local time.
Numerous rescue helicopters have been deployed to the island, which is marketed to tourists as “New Zealand’s most active volcano” with “an energy like you’ve never felt before”.
Tour boats have reportedly turned back to the island to assist in rescue efforts.
Whakatane Hospital has engaged crisis response capabilities in response to the incident.
Speaking after today’s Cabinet meeting, NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said “At this stage we believe around 100 people were around or on the island at this stage not all of them are accounted for”.
NZ Police and the nation’s civil defence service will hold a joint press conference this afternoon.
While the active volcano is know to emit steam, residents on the mainland said today’s eruption was among the worst they had seen.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB, Bay of Plenty local Maree Reeve said it was “possibly the worst eruption she had even seen from the island”.
#whiteisland just erupted ten min ago.
We was here at 13:15😨 pic.twitter.com/foERCNf7LJ— zurraspismo (@Littlejon_81) December 9, 2019
Met Service, New Zealand’s meteorological department, states the eruption could be seen from space.
White Island eruption was also visible on satellite images. ^AJ pic.twitter.com/Cx4LYHr9Ie
— MetService (@MetService) December 9, 2019
More to come.
