Volcanic eruption in New Zealand's White Island kills five, 3600 meters of ash

Vakatane, ep. A volcanic eruption in New Zealand’s White Island has killed five people and nearly two dozen people have gone missing. Police said it was dangerous for the relief and rescue teams to reach the spot even after hours. Deputy Commissioner of Police John Timms said the number of missing people could be double digits.

However, he expressed an inability to give the exact number. He said that when the volcano erupted there were less than 50 people on the island. Out of these 18 people have been evacuated. No missing person could be contacted.

Ashes spanning 36000 meters

The explosion was so strong that steam and ash spread to 3,660 meters. On 18 November, an alert was issued by the GeoNet Agency to monitor volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in New Zealand.

Prime Minister reassured the countrymen

New Zealand Prime Minister Jasinda Ardern said that we know that there were a lot of tourists around the island at that time including New Zealand and people from outside. I know that those whose loved ones were present around the island must be having a lot of anxiety and trouble. I can assure them that the police is doing all it can.

Simultaneously, Kevin O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Cruise Association, said that we believe that a tour party of the Ovation of Seas has been hit by an explosion on White Island. We do not have more information at this time.