White Island (File Photo)
Hamilton (New Zealand) 09 December, 2019:
By Gurbir Singh:
An 'impulsive, shortlived' volcanic eruption in the uninhabited White Island of New Zealand has left several tourists injured and dozens are still unaccounted for.
The eruption occurred at 2.11pm (local NZ time) today.
A spokesperson of St John Ambulance confirms people have 'severe burns' injuries.
According to the Police statement released minutes back, one person is critical and many still remain unaccounted for.
"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," the Police says.
"Some of those people have been transported to shore, however a number believed to be on the island are currently unaccounted for.
"Of those transported to shore, at least one has been critically injured."
Police are working with the National Emergency Management Agency to coordinate a search and rescue operation.
"Emergency services are working to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including rescue staff," the statement says.
A no-fly zone has been established, and people have been advised to stay out of designated restricted zones.
GeoNet says there remains "significant uncertainty" about the future, but there are no current signs of escalation and alert level now stands at 3.
The privately owned White Island is situated 48 km from the east coast of Whakatane (nearly 200kms from Hamilton) and is a scenic reserve that can be visited by launch or helicopter. It is New Zealand's most active cone volcano.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will be addressing a media conference shortly, and says "around 100 people were around or on" White Island at the time of the eruption this afternoon, and not all of them are accounted for.
One tourist boat with 60 passengers on board had just returned when eruption started. Another boat id believed to be on way back,
Civil Defence is warning people who live close to White Island to stay indoors..
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Gurbir Singh is a Hamilton-based Freelance Journalist & Editor, NewsViews