Some injured and missing in NZ volcano eruption
Several people were injured and some unaccounted for on White Island in New Zealand when a volcano began erupting there on Monday (December 9), said the country's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Speaking at a news conference, Ardern said authorities believe 100 people were on or around the island with some of those unaccounted for. A rescue operation had begun, but emergency services warned that it was too early to confirm any injuries or deaths.
Police were alerted at 2:17 p.m. local time (0117 GMT) on the island, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the east coast of North Island, Ardern added.
The White Island volcano is one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes.
