The sudden eruption of the volcano on the New Zealand island covered tourists: 5 dead (photo, video)

The eruption of the volcano began on the New Zealand island of White-Island, located in the Gulf of the Plenite, 270 km south of Auckland. On the afternoon of December 9, by local time, the level of volcanic danger was increased to the fourth, and the aviation security code was changed to orange, TASS reports.

During the eruption on the island, there were both New Zealand and foreign tourists. Australia media write about 24 citizens of this country. At first it was reported that about 100 people could be there in total, then this figure was halved.

On the White Island, located 48 km from the coast of the Plenite Gulf, the helicopters of emergency services and the ambulance brigade were sent. In the city hospital of the Vakatan district, the Center for Emergency Response was created and the headquarters of civil defense forces was opened.

It is known that during the ashes to a height of more than 3.6 km, stones fell on people. In addition, picroclastic flows have gone. While the death of 5 people was confirmed, another 18 have been evacuated. Seven - in critical condition. According to the police, about 27 people can be on the island, RNZ reports.

According to 1 News , all people delivered from the island received injuries, some have severe burns.

According to the country's Prime Minister Jasinda Ardern, the police and the country's emergency response are doing everything possible to provide the necessary assistance to everyone who suffered from the elements in one way or another.

White -Island is the only active volcanic island of New Zealand. The previous eruption was recorded in late 2012 and early 2013. The island of White is one of the most visited active volcanoes in the world and is open for tourist trips.

This is so hard to believe. OUR WHOLE TOUR GROUP WERE LITERALLY STANDING at the edge of the main Crater Not 30 Minutes Before. My Thumbs with the Families of Those Currently UNACCUNTED FOR, The PEOPLE Recovering Now, and Especially the Rescue Workers ... Pic.twitter/ mn704hobrk

- Michael SCHADE (@Sch) December 9, 2019

Last Photos: Here Are the White Island Tour Operators Rescuing People, TimeStamp 14:24 (~ 12-14 minutes after Erupation). Endless Gratitude to that Crew for Stepping Up AS FIRST Responders.

I took these and reporters welcome to us with Attribution. pic.twitter.com/itmy1jcezr

- Michael SCHADE (@Sch) December 9, 2019