There are a number of unaccounted people after the White Island volcanic eruption in New Zealand which happened today leading to authorities saying they did not believe anyone would survive.
About 50 people, including New Zealanders and foreign tourists, were afraid to be there when the eruption took place on Monday at 2:11 p.m. local time (1:11 p.m. Irish time).
In the minutes before the sudden eruption, several people were seen near the edge of the crater.
A total of 23 people were rescued, including the five dead, and some of those hospitalised suffered “severe” burns. The rescue operation was interrupted because the search in the area was too dangerous.
New Zealand police said the drone fire showed very few signs of life on the island.
A spokesperson said: “Police is working urgently to confirm the exact number of those who have died, further to the five confirmed deceased already.”
The rescue and search continues.