5 dead and many missing
following New Zealand volcano
 |
| New Zealand's White Island volcano erupts (ANSA) |
Deputy Police Commissioner John Timms confirmed the numbers
of the dead and the present state of rescue efforts.
By Fr John Waters
New Zealand’s Deputy Police Commissioner, John Timms, has
confirmed that 5 people were killed as a result of the Volcanic Eruption
on White Island, also known as Whakaari, on December 9th.
Deputy Commissioner Timms also told a press conference that
many other people are in hospital as a result of being burned during the
eruption. The commissioner did not confirm the numbers of those hospitalized.
He did confirm that a number of foreign tourists were among
those affected, with many having been passengers on a Cruise ship which was
visiting the Island.
White Island, also known by its Moari name of Whakaari, lies
30 miles off the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is the most
active volcano in the region. Much of the volcano itself is underground, with
only the peak breaking out above sea level and forming the island.
Smaller eruptions on the island were reported in 2012, 2013
and 2016.
Deputy Commissioner Timms also explained that conditions on
the Island are preventing further rescue attempts.
“Due to current risk, emergency services are unable to
access the Island. We have taken advice from Geonet, and they have assisted us
in making a risk assessment, declaring that the Island is unstable. There are
possibilities of further eruptions and it is unsafe for us to return to the
Island” the commissioner said.
Geonet is a partnership between the Earthquake Commission,
GNS science and Land information New Zealand. It monitors earthquake, Tsunami
and Volcanic activity in and around New Zealand.
The Deputy Commissioner went on to explain that the safety
of rescue teams must always be considered, as well as the safety of those whom
they would assist.
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