A New Zealand's White Island volcanic eruption has recorded five fatalities and at least hundreds of people are believed to have been in the area on Monday morning.
The country's most active volcano spewed a cloud of ashes into the sky and the horrific moment has been recorded and shared online by the group of tourists aboard a boat who have been caught up in the explosion.
New Zealand police said that the volcanic ash could pose major health threat to the public and working to determine exactly how many people were affected.
Michael Schade Twitted 20 minutes before the eruption took place."My god, White Island volcano in New Zealand erupted today for first time since 2001. My family and I had gotten off it 20 minutes before, were waiting at our boat about to leave when we saw it. Boat ride home tending to people our boat rescued was indescribable. #whiteisland"
My god, White Island volcano in New Zealand erupted today for first time since 2001. My family and I had gotten off it 20 minutes before, were waiting at our boat about to leave when we saw it. Boat ride home tending to people our boat rescued was indescribable. #whiteisland pic.twitter.com/QJwWi12Tvt— Michael Schade (@sch) December 9, 2019
Another video shared by Schade shows people queuing to board a boat to leave the island, while smoke can be seen in the background.
— Michael Schade (@sch) December 9, 2019
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison Tweeted, saying that there are 24 Australian tourists who have been "caught up in this terrible incident".
A terrible tragedy is unfolding in NZ after the volcano eruption on Whakaari/White Island. Australians have been caught up in this terrible event and we are working to determine their wellbeing.— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) December 9, 2019
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