New Zealand volcano eruption: Two British women among those injured as police say ‘no sign of life’ on White Island

Around 50 people were on island in Bay of Plenty when explosion happened

Volcanic eruption on New Zealand island: What we know so far

Two British women are among those injured by a volcanic eruption in New Zealand, which has left at least five people dead and 31 in hospital with several still missing.

There are also five people with a UK birthplace marked missing on a Red Cross list of missing persons, which is updated by the public rather than officials.

The UK’s high commissioner to New Zealand, Laura Clarke, said she and her colleagues were supporting the two women’s families and would do the same for “any other Brits who need our help”.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said 47 people were estimated to be on White Island, in the Bay of Plenty, when the volcano blasted a huge plume of ash and steam into the air on Monday.

Police said that despite spotting “some people” on the island in daring aerial reconnaissance efforts since the blast, rescuers saw “no signs of life” at any point.

Official enquiries with tour companies suggest eight people are still unacounted for. Deputy commissioner John Tims told reporters rescue efforts would resume once conditions improve.

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Key Points

• At least five killed and up to 20 injured
• Emergency services cannot access island due to risks
• No survivors after blast, police believe

[9 December 2019 11:26 · Samuel Osborne]

Police have said they do not believe there are any more survivors on White Island after the volcanic eruption.

[9 December 2019 11:31 · Samuel Osborne]

A number of aircraft have flown over the island since the eruption and "no signs of life have been seen at any point," police have said.

It is believed anyone who could have been taken from the island alive has been rescued.

"Based on the information we have, we do not believe there are any survivors on the island," a statement said.

[9 December 2019 11:44 · Samuel Osborne]

[9 December 2019 12:09 · Samuel Osborne]

Michael Schade, a tourist who made it off the island just before the eruption, posted videos and pictures on Twitter of the aftermath as he sped away by boat.

[9 December 2019 12:28 · Samuel Osborne]

Volcanologists said the ash plume from White Island shot 12,000ft (3,658m) into the air.

"White Island has been a disaster waiting to happen for many years," said Ray Cas, a professor emeritus at Monash University, in comments published by the Australian Science Media Centre.

"Having visited it twice, I have always felt that it was too dangerous to allow the daily tour groups that visit the uninhabited island volcano by boat and helicopter."

[9 December 2019 12:52 · Samuel Osborne]

Ms Ardern, New Zealand's prime minister, landed in Whakatane late on Monday and met rescue teams.

"We know that there were a number of tourists on or around the island at the time, both New Zealanders and visitors from overseas," she told a news conference earlier.

"I know there will be a huge amount of concern and anxiety for those who had loved ones on or around the island at the time. I can assure them that police are doing everything they can."

[9 December 2019 13:19 · Samuel Osborne]

Rescue services have been unable to reach White Island as it remains too dangerous.

Police said a ship would approach the island at first light on Tuesday to deploy drones and observational equipment to further assess the situation.

[9 December 2019 13:36 · Samuel Osborne]

Dr Mohammad Heidarzadeh, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Brunel University London, said activity on White Island is continuously monitored by cameras and specialised equipment.

The volcano expert said: "Volcanoes such as the one on White Island are monitored by 24/7 by live cameras and several seismometers, which register all seismic activities.

"Volcanoes trigger numerous small earthquakes, and these small tremors can give us a view of what is happening. The signs seem to have been missed on this occasion though, causing five deaths."

[9 December 2019 14:04 · Samuel Osborne]

An image taken by tourist Michael Schade shows a wrecked helicopter after the White Island eruption 

[9 December 2019 14:28 · Samuel Osborne]

A number of British people are among those marked missing in the White Island disaster.

The Red Cross set up a website where members of the public can register the personal details of missing people.

At least five of those listed as missing appeared to be from the UK.

However, the list is not official and those listed on it may not have been on White Island at the time of the eruption.