Australians caught up in NZ volcano eruption

Up to 50 tourists, including many Australians, are believed to have been on White Island in New Zealand when its volcano began erupting.

There are fears for Australians involved in the Mount White volcano eruption in New Zealand.

A page set up by the New Zealand Red Cross for families to register missing love ones in the incident had 25 Australians listed on Monday night, while ABC News and The Australian reported that 24 Australians were on island at the time of the eruption.

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the government was seeking more information.

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

Up to 50 tourists are believed to have been on White Island, also known as Whakaari, in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty when the volcano began erupting on Monday, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Footage from Michael Schade whose family had gotten off Whakaari / White Island 20 minutes before it erupted.

So far, five people are know to have been killed in the incident with many more injured. New Zealand police say no survivors remain on the island following an emergency evacuation being carried out.

“Police believe that anyone who could have been taken from the island alive was rescued at the time of the evacuation,” they said in a statement on Monday night.

The Australian government’s Smart Traveller service has set up a hotline for families unable to contact loved ones. The Consular Emergency Centre can be reached on 1300 555 135, or on +61 2 6261 3305 from outside of Australia.