White Island eruption: GeoNet takes down cameras while search and rescue operation under way

Monday, 9 December 2019

White Island as seen from the air during and eruption which occurred as a tour party was visiting the volcanic island.

A New Zealand website which provides information about geological hazards has taken down its cameras of White Island following Monday's eruption.

The volcano on the island erupted just after 2pm, killing at least one and leaving others critically injured.

GeoNet has removed its cameras of White Island while a search and rescue operation is underway following the volcanic eruption.

About 50 people were on the island at the time of the eruption and a number of people have yet to be accounted for.

At a 9pm briefing on Monday, Police National Operation Commander Deputy Commissioner John Tims said he couldn't confirm how many people remained on the island, but agreed it was in double digits.

The sister of a White Island tour guide who returned to the island to help describes what her sister saw.

* Why were people on White Island volcano when it erupted?

White Island eruption as seen from the mainland.

* How will White Island volcanic eruption affect the rest of New Zealand?

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and police national operation commander Deputy Commissioner John Tims addressed the media about the Whakaari/White Island eruption.

* White Island eruption live: One dead, and police expect more fatalities**

Twenty-three people are off the island. Five are dead and the remaining 18 all had injuries to some degree.

On Monday evening, GeoNet had pulled down its cameras that show White Island.

Instead, an error appears saying 'page not found'.

A GeoNet spokeswoman confirmed the cameras had been pulled down because of the ongoing search and rescue effort.

She could not say when the cameras would be back online.

The eruption at White Island most likely occurred after rocks and minerals gradually clogged up geothermal vents until it popped like a balloon, says GeoNet vulcanologist Geoff Kilgour.

The cause will not be known for certain until it is safe enough to visit the island, but this seemed to be the most likely scenario, he said.

GeoNet raised the Volcanic Alert Level at White Island to level two on November 18, indicating heightened volcanic unrest and potential for eruption hazards.

Less than a week ago, GeoNet said observations indicated the volcano may have been entering a period when eruptive activity was higher than normal. Tours to the island were still operating.

GeoNet volcanologist Brad Scott said it was up to tour operators to monitor the situation and decide whether to continue operating.

Access to the island, which is private property, has been controlled through permits since 1995. The journey takes about 80 minutes by boat