New Zealand – Five confirmed dead, eight missing, 31 in hospital after White Island volcano erupts twice (UPDATE)
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New Zealand police launched an investigation on Tuesday after a volcanic eruption on an island popular with tourists killed five people, injured more than 30 and left eight people missing, who are presumed dead.
Thirteen people are believed killed and others are fighting for their lives with serious burns after the devastating White Island eruption – and experts are warning of more volcanic activity.
Five people were confirmed dead and eight others presumed to have perished when the country’s most active volcano exploded in a shower of steam, rock and ash just after 2pm on Monday.
New Zealand Herald reports that experts warned there is a 50 per cent chance of another eruption within 24 hours. A 5.3 magnitude quake struck the east coast on Tuesday afternoon, leaving residents rattled, but GNS experts said the shake was not related to the eruption.
Reuters report that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said reconnaissance flights showed no signs of life on White Island, as eyewitnesses detailed the horrific burns suffered by some survivors.
Tourists from Australia, the United States, Britain, China and Malaysia were among the missing and injured, along with New Zealanders. She has said there would be a government inquiry into the incident. “To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your unfathomable grief in this moment at time and in your sorrow,” Ardern said at a news conference.
