At least five people have died after a volcano erupted in New Zealand.
The number of people unaccounted for following the eruption on White Island is said to be in double figures – but officials have said they do not believe any of them survived.
Approximately 50 people, New Zealanders and foreign tourists among them, were feared to have been nearby when the eruption happened.
Several people were seen near the rim of the crater in the minutes before the sudden eruption.
An image provided by visitor Michael Schade shows White Island (Whakaari) volcano, as it erupts, in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, 09 December 2019. . EPA-EFE/MICHAEL SCHADE
A total of 23 people were rescued – including the five who died – and some of those transferred to hospital have “severe” burns.
The rescue operation was later suspended because it was too dangerous to search the area.
Police in New Zealand said several aerial reconnaissance flights had shown “no signs of life” – and it is believed that anyone who could have been taken from the island alive was rescued at the time of the evacuation.
Via Sky News
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