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In Pictures: White Island volcano erupts in New Zealand

The volcano erupted in New Zealand on Monday, spewing a plume of ash thousands of feet into the air. [Michael Schade/AFP]
The volcano erupted in New Zealand on Monday, spewing a plume of ash thousands of feet into the air. [Michael Schade/AFP]
9 Dec 2019

A volcano erupted in New Zealand, spewing a plume of ash thousands of metres into the air and killing at least five people. An unknown number were trapped as conditions for search-and-rescue teams were too dangerous.

An estimated 50 people were in the vicinity when the eruption began at about 2pm (01:00 GMT) on White Island, about 50km (30 miles) from the east coast of North Island.

The island’s immediate surroundings were hazardous because of the eruption with volcanic debris, gas, and ash heavy in the air, the National Emergency Management Agency said in a statement.

Tour guides evacuate tourists on a boat shortly after the volcano eruption on White Island. [Reuters]
Tour guides evacuate tourists on a boat shortly after the volcano eruption on White Island. [Reuters]
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Several people were injured on Monday and some reported missing as New Zealand mounted a rescue effort after its White Island volcano erupted off the east coast of the North Island. [Reuters]
Several people were injured on Monday and some reported missing as New Zealand mounted a rescue effort after its White Island volcano erupted off the east coast of the North Island. [Reuters]
The White Island volcano is one of New Zealand's most active. [Michael Schade/AFP]
The White Island volcano is one of New Zealand's most active. [Michael Schade/AFP]
A statement from New Zealand Police said there were thought to be about 50 people on the island at the time of the eruption, and 23 had been rescued so far. [Michael Schade/AFP]
A statement from New Zealand Police said there were thought to be about 50 people on the island at the time of the eruption, and 23 had been rescued so far. [Michael Schade/AFP]
Emergency services attend to an injured person arriving at the Whakatane Airfield after the volcanic eruption. [Alan Gibson/New Zealand Herald/AP Photo]
Emergency services attend to an injured person arriving at the Whakatane Airfield after the volcanic eruption. [Alan Gibson/New Zealand Herald/AP Photo]
No more survivors were expected to be rescued [Michael Schade/EPA]
No more survivors were expected to be rescued [Michael Schade/EPA]
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About 70 percent of the volcano is under the sea and at least 10,000 people go to see it every yea [Handout/Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd/AFP]
About 70 percent of the volcano is under the sea and at least 10,000 people go to see it every yea [Handout/Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd/AFP]
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