White Island volcano erupts, massive plume visible

Around 50 people were on White Island when it erupted on Monday afternoon, and many of them remain unaccounted for.

The volcanic eruption began at around 2:11pm, GNS says.

St John has confirmed there are several serious injuries.

 

What you need to know:

• The eruption began at 2:11pm on Monday afternoon
• Volcanologists have confirmed it was the biggest eruption in recent history
• The Volcanic Alert Level is now Level 3, however the Aviation Colour Code remains Orange.
• Up to 50 people could have been on the island when it erupted
• Local media report people with burns injuries
• A rescue operation is underway

Please refresh the page for the latest live updates.

5:29pm - St John says it is in the middle of a "significant incident" on White Island.

"What I can tell you is that we have multiple casualties with significant injuries such as severe burns," director of clinical operations Norma Lane told Newshub.

5:21pm - Dramatic footage shows the moment White Island erupted.

 

5:08pm - Police say one person is critical and many still remain unaccounted for.

"While it was initially believed there were approximately 100 people on or near the island at the time of the eruption, we now believe there were fewer than 50," a spokesperson says.

"Some of those people have been transported to shore, however a number believed to be on the island are currently unaccounted for.

 

"Of those transported to shore, at least one has been critically injured."

Police are working with the National Emergency Management Agency to coordinate a search and rescue operation.

"Emergency services are working to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including rescue staff," the spokesperson says.

"A volcanic eruption is hazardous in the immediate vicinity of the volcano."

 

4:49pm - GeoNet says there remains "significant uncertainty" about the future but there are no current signs of escalation.

 

4:53pm - MetService has withdrawn its ash advisory. Airways NZ says no commercial flights have been affected.

 

4:47pm - St John officers from Whakatāne are travelling to White Island via the Coastguard.

Seven helicopters have been dispatched to the island with paramedics on board.

St John believes up to 20 people on the island require medical treatment.

 

Photo credit: Newshub

4:42pm - Volcanic Air has confirmed it had a helicopter on Whakaari/White Island at the time it erupted this afternoon. Five people had flown to the island in the helicopter, but all are accounted for and have arrived back in Whakatane by boat.

The company has enacted its emergency response plan and says its priority was looking after the pilot and passengers.

3:38pm - The first victims are arriving back on the mainland.

4:25pm - It's being reported many of those on the island were from a cruise ship visiting New Zealand, Ovation of the Seas.

4:21pm - Simon Bridges has offered his thoughts to those affected by the eruption.

 

4:12pm -  Speaking at Monday's post-Cabinet press conference, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it's an evolving situation.

"We believe around 100 people were on or around the island at the time, and some of those are at this stage unaccounted for," she told reporters.

"A number of people are reportedly injured and are being transported to shore.

"Obviously it does appear to be a very significant issue, particularly the scale of those affected at this stage."

4:10pm - GNS volcanologist Brad Scott told Magic Talk's Ryan Bridge it was a significant eruption.

 

"It was quite an explosive eruption and significantly impacted the island and the main crater floor area.

"Unfortunately there's not a lot of shelter on the island - the people on the island were quite exposed.

"We have significant concern for people that may have been on the island."

 

4:07pm - It's believed the force of the eruption tipped a helicopter on the island over.

 

4:pm - MetService says the eruption was so large it was visible from space.

 

3:55pm - A group of people can be seen on a GNS camera walking close to the crater just minutes before the eruption.

Photo credit: GNS

3:45pm - WeatherWatch has released wind maps showing the current path of the ash.

3:42pm - St John says it's sending five helicopters to White Island. 20 people are believed to need medical assistance.

3:31pm - St Johns has confirmed to Newstalk ZB that they have reports of up to 20 injured in the eruption.

3:27pm - Police now have a cordon up at Whakatāne Heads and Muriwai Drive.

3:26pm - Ōpōtiki resident Maree Reeve told SunLive: "I certainly haven't seen a puff like this, possibly in the whole 18 years of living here".

 "You can see stuff falling from the cloud."

3:24pm - Newshub has been told there were people on the island at the time. One boat from White Island Tours has returned, and a second boat is on way back - each boat holds up to 60 tourists.

Coastguard with paramedics are believed to be heading out to meet the second boat, in case of injuries.

Ambulances and police are waiting to meet the boat when it comes in.

 

3:18pm - The Ministry of Civil Defence warns it is hazardous in the immediate vicinity of the volcano, and ashfall might affect wider areas.

People living in or near the affected ashfall areas should:

1. Be aware of the potential for ashfall. Consider staying indoors. Volcanic ash could be a health hazard, especially if you suffer from breathing difficulties
2. When indoors, close all windows and doors to limit the entry of volcanic ash
3. If caught in volcanic ashfalls: Wear a dust mask or use a cloth handkerchief over your nose and mouth; protect your eyes by wearing goggles. Wear eyeglasses, NOT contact lenses as fine ash will get under the lens
4. Listen to the radio and/or TV for further assessment and updates
5. Effects of a volcanic eruption can be experienced many kilometres from a volcano.

 

3:16pm - Police are warning the public to avoid the Whakatane Heads and Muriwai Drive areas. Muriwai Drive will be closed from Harvey Street.

 

3:15pm - Local 1XX reporter Alexander Goldsmith says a rescue operation is underway.

"We're getting numerous calls from the public," he says.

He said they have reports of people with burns injuries.

"We can't confirm anything so far about the extent of the injuries," he says.

"We do know it's very serious."

3:05pm - There are reports people were on the island at the time of the eruption and several are injured.

A local reporter says a rescue operation is underway.

3pm - MetService has issued a volcanic ash advisory for aircraft.

 

2:53pm - A local resident can see White Island from his deck and says it looks "spectacular".

"There's a lot more steam than normal, I don't know if it is a full eruption, but it looks pretty spectacular," Don Richards told Newshub.

2:15pm - An eruption is underway on White Island, near the Bay of Plenty. GNS confirmed to Newshub the eruption began at around 2.15pm on Monday.