At least five people were killed when a volcanic eruption occurred on White Island, off the eastern coast of New Zealand, on Monday (Dec 9), with eight still missing and 31 in hospital for burns and other injuries.
A rescue boat leaving White Island following a volcanic eruption on Dec 9, 2019.
PHOTO: AP
A damaged helicopter on White Island, which is about 50km from the east coast of North Island, on Dec 9, 2019.
PHOTO: AP
Rescuers landing on White Island following the eruption of the volcano on Dec 9, 2019.
PHOTO: AP
Tourists filming the White Island eruption on Dec 9, 2019.
PHOTO: AP
The view from a rescue helicopter as ash and debris cover White Island a day after the volcano erupted.
PHOTO: AFP
An aerial photo showing White Island after its volcanic eruption on Dec 9, 2019.
PHOTO: AP
The crater rim of White Island, also known as Whakaari, shortly before the eruption.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Emergency service personnel attend to an injured person arriving at the Whakatane Airfield after the volcanic eruption on White Island.
PHOTO: AP
A man on the waterfront in Whakatane, New Zealand, using a scope to look at White Island on Dec 10, 2019.
PHOTO: AP
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (right) at Whakatane Fire Station on Dec 10, 2019. She is hugging a first responder from the St John's ambulance team that helped those injured in the White Island volcano eruption the day before.
PHOTO: AFP
A man placing a bouquet on a fence on the waterfront in Whakatane, New Zealand, on Dec 10, 2019.
PHOTO: AP
A makeshift memorial near where the cruise ship Ovation of the Seas is docked in Tauranga, New Zealand, on Dec 10, 2019. Many day tours visit White Island regularly, and the cruise liner was there at the time.
PHOTO: AP