December 10, 2019

Andrew Campbell 

On the White Island, a popular tourist attraction for more than 10,000 people each year in New Zealand, its volcano suddenly erupted at 2:11 pm on December 9 without any sign of warning. It was reported that 47 people were touring on the island when White Island/Whakaari erupted off the Bay of Plenty. Officials confirmed 5 people were instantly killed and 8 missing people were presumed dead. In addition, 3 people rescued have now been discharged from the hospital, but 31 people still remained hospitalized.

The White Island was still shooting out mud and steam from the volcano‘s vent area. Due to the risks of further eruptions, it was difficult for rescuers to reach the island. It was quite a scene that everything was overwhelmingly covered in ash. But, one of the photos showed a ruined helicopter from Eurocopter Ecureuil.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been meeting paramedics emergency services personnel, and police officers work on the rescue. Authorities had identified that a tour guide from Whakatāne and tourists from Australia, China, Malaysia, UK, and the US were among those dead, injured, and missing, But no specifics were released by far.

Photo:Webshot.