- Around 50 tourists were affected by the disaster
- New Zealand police confirm there is no trace of a living being in the island
- Three Britons were still in the missing list
- Experts highlight the perils of volcanic tourism
The volcanic eruption in White Island results in killing five tourists, burned victims and identified nationalists who are believed to have perished in the island.
New Zealand police, along with firefighters have risked their lives to rescue trapped injured victims from the island with hope, though health officials have said 31 of the rescued victims might not survive.
The powerful eruption was taken place in the White Island, which is located 29 miles off New Zealand’s North Island, around 2.11 pm of the local time on Monday.
According to the records, police have estimated around 50 tourists were on the volcano crater by the time eruption.
Sharing condolence to the people who have lost their loved ones, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there were ‘some tourists’ including people from New Zealand on the island at the time of this disaster. ‘’I know there will be a huge amount of anxiety for those who have loved ones on or around the island at the time. I can assure them the police are doing everything they can,’’ she added.
New Zealand police deputy commissioner John Tims unveiling the newest search result of survivors on a press conference in Wellington said, “I would strongly suggest that there is no one that has survived on the island.” The eruption in the White Island in which at least five people died and some of them are still unaccounted. There are no more survivors expected to be found in the White Island.
The nationalities on the island by the time of the explosion were numbered as Twenty-four from Australia, nine from the US, five from New Zealand, four from Germany, two from China, one from Malaysia and two from the UK. Officials said the three Britons are believed to be among those still missing lists.
The government’s research organisation, GNS Science, said there was a 50% chance of a similar eruption in the next 24 hours and have warned people to stay away from the area.
The White Island the most active volcano in New Zealand and had seen its last major eruption in 2001, with smaller events over the years until now.
This fatal incident raised many questions towards tour organizations and people- whether tour companies are taking enough precautions to keep visitors safe or whether tourists are aware of the risks.
The island is one of the major tourist spots in New Zealand for active travellers who are seeking for adventures. Tourists frequently visit the island by organised boat tours from nearby Whakatane.
Volcanic research experts have said, White Island was always ‘too dangerous’ for the number of tourists who are frequently visiting the island and they have warned of risks of further blasts and landslides.
Though tourists who are curious and looking for adventures visits the island with the hope of getting closer to an active volcano. Tourists have been travelling to White Island for years despite warnings from scientists that it could erupt at any time.
Geological hazard trackers GeoNet had registered moderate volcanic unrest on the island for weeks.
But the nature of volcano activity is unpredictable, with the eruption unforeseen by authorities.
GeoNet, New Zealand’s geological hazard information centre, describes White Island as New Zealand’s most active cone volcano. Only the top is visible, with around 80 % of it underwater.
Between 2011 and 2016 the White Island had a period of increased eruptions though still boatloads of tourists keep arriving to see the significance of the White Island.
Anyone in New Zealand trying to reach a family member who may have been on the island at the time of the eruption. Do call the new Police emergency number for more information: 10-5.
Family and friends from overseas call the emergency line +649105105 or submit information via a dedicated contact form set up by police on their website in here – https://forms.police.govt.nz/white-island-police-contact-form
