New Zealand White Island eruption: How it happened
On Monday afternoon the volcano on New Zealand's White Island (Whakaari) erupted for the first time since 2001.
Forty-seven people were on the island, which is 48 kilometres from the North Island, when disaster struck.
The people were split into two groups, comprising mostly of passengers from the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship, and local tour guides.
MOMENTS BEFORE
An image taken by a webcam on the island shows hikers near the rim of the volcano just moments before the eruption.
The people on the island were in two smaller groups, with one further into the crater than the other.
A screen grab from a camera on volcano Whakaari, or White Island, shows a group of tourists near the rim of the volcano. Supplied
2.11PM
The volcano on White Island erupts for the first time in 18 years.
A photo taken by tourist Michael Schade, who had been on the island with his family minutes earlier, shows thick plumes of smoke streaming from the volcano.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern later said there had been two explosions on the island.
An image provided by tourist Michael Schade shows White Island (Whakaari) volcano as it erupts. Twitter/Michael Schade
THE AFTERMATH
An additional image shows that the webcam stationed on White Island appears to have been damaged in the explosion.
The eruption can be seen from kilometres away.
There were 47 people on the island at the time of the eruption, including 24 Australians. Graphic: Tara Blancato
RESCUE OPERATION
Authorities immediately launch a rescue operation, sending helicopters to transport the injured off the island.
Three helicopters, including two private choppers, were able to land and rescue people.
Of the 47 people on the island, 39 escape. The death toll currently stands at five, while eight people are unaccounted for.
Helicopters were able to land on the island and pull some of the injured to safety. Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Tour operators helped rescue people from the island. Michael Schade
SEARCH FOR SURVIVORS
A police helicopter, another rescue helicopter, and New Zealand Defence Force aircraft last night undertook a number of aerial reconnaissance flights over the island since the eruption.
They do not believe there are any survivors left on White Island.
A tourist's image of a helicopter in ruins following the White Island eruption. Michael Schade/ @sch/Twitter
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