Long story short, White Island, a volcanic island 48 kilometres in the Bay of Plenty off the central north coast of the North Island erupted this afternoon six days after GeoNet reported that it showed signs of increasing activity (above its usual activity, it's a permanently active volcano). The island is a well known tourist destination as it is home to an old sulphur mine, and many tourists visit every day to see this and steam vents on the island up close. At least
Newstalk ZB and other media reports are quoting St John New Zealand who said they received reports of up to 20 injuries, including several people reported to be critically injured.
Reddit thread with relevant news sources.
I hope that no fatalities occurred during this eruption but given the unpredictability and explosiveness, it's likely that there may be. Sincerest best wishes to all those who may be affected by this.
Updates:
- The number of people on the island at the time of the eruption is approximately 47.
- Three people have been discharged from hospital, 28 remain in hospitals in Australia and New Zealand, 11 of them critically.
- 16 people are dead.
- Two are unaccounted for.