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New Zealand volcano eruption: five dead and eight missing after White Island blast – latest updates New Zealand volcano eruption: Jacinda Ardern says 'scale of tragedy is devastating' – latest updates
(32 minutes later)
Jacinda Ardern confirms that New Zealanders and tourists from Australia, the US, Britain, China and Malaysia are among missing on White Island/Whakaari PM confirms five dead after White Island eruption, with missing and injured are from New Zealand, Australia, the US, UK, China, Germany and Malaysia
The New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has made a statement to parliament about the volcano’s eruption. She confirmed that of the 47 people on or near White Island at the time of the eruption, five were dead, eight were missing and 31 sustained injuries “many of them critical”.
“The scale of this tragedy is devastating”, she told parliament. “Our hearts go out to the families of those who are injured, missing or deceased.
Ardern paid tribute to the pilots and crew of three helicopters who flew to the island after the eruption to help the rescue operation.
She said among those missing citizens from Australia, the US, the UK, China, Germany, Malaysia and New Zealand.
“To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your grief and sorrow and we are devastated,” Ardern said.
“To our international partners and friends, we will do everything we can to support you as you have supported us in times past.
“In particular, our family in Australia has been heavily impacted... We feel the pull of our bond acutely at this time.”
Ardern acknowledged the “extraordinary efforts” of the medical professionals across the country who are looking after the injured.
“As we focus on the tragic events of Whakaari/White Island, I’m reminded of two things: there is no limit to New Zealand’s capacity to mobilise, to respond, to care and embrace those impacted by tragedy,” she said.
“We are a nation full of ordinary people who do extraordinary things.”
Hello this is Alison Rourke taking over this live blog from my colleague, Kate Lyons.Hello this is Alison Rourke taking over this live blog from my colleague, Kate Lyons.
If you are just joining us, here’s the latest on who has been affected by the eruption on White Island.If you are just joining us, here’s the latest on who has been affected by the eruption on White Island.
We know that five people have died. Three of them are thought to be Australians, according the Australian PM, Scott Morrison. The Guardian also understands that two guides from the island were also killed. A further eight people are confirmed as missing. We understand 47 people were on the island at the time of the eruption, 38 of them from the cruise liner Ovation of the Seas. New Zealand’s Red Cross has published a list of people who have been listed as missing and those who have been accounted for. You can reach that list here.We know that five people have died. Three of them are thought to be Australians, according the Australian PM, Scott Morrison. The Guardian also understands that two guides from the island were also killed. A further eight people are confirmed as missing. We understand 47 people were on the island at the time of the eruption, 38 of them from the cruise liner Ovation of the Seas. New Zealand’s Red Cross has published a list of people who have been listed as missing and those who have been accounted for. You can reach that list here.
A report from AAP:A report from AAP:
The air is heavy and flags are at half mast in Whakatane.The air is heavy and flags are at half mast in Whakatane.
Unlike Monday, when police and emergency services flew into furious action after Whakaari’s eruption, the town is now calm and waiting.Unlike Monday, when police and emergency services flew into furious action after Whakaari’s eruption, the town is now calm and waiting.
They are waiting for White Island to be cleared for access, and they are waiting for updates about those in hospital. Those waiting for news are doing so at the local marae, or Maori meeting house.They are waiting for White Island to be cleared for access, and they are waiting for updates about those in hospital. Those waiting for news are doing so at the local marae, or Maori meeting house.
“The marae provides a focal point for the community to rally together, to provide help and care for those who are hurting at the moment,” community leader William Stewart told AAP.“The marae provides a focal point for the community to rally together, to provide help and care for those who are hurting at the moment,” community leader William Stewart told AAP.
“At 10 o’clock this morning we opened the marae and undertook a karakia, a spiritual ceremony.“At 10 o’clock this morning we opened the marae and undertook a karakia, a spiritual ceremony.
“We invited those who had been impacted, staff, emergency response teams, friends and family of those that were caught up in yesterday’s events.”“We invited those who had been impacted, staff, emergency response teams, friends and family of those that were caught up in yesterday’s events.”
People from all backgrounds are bringing food and offering support.People from all backgrounds are bringing food and offering support.
Stewart said more than a hundred people attended, including Australians.Stewart said more than a hundred people attended, including Australians.
“People of different backgrounds. The tribe was here and there were a lot of locals and people from out of town drawn by yesterday’s events,” he said.“People of different backgrounds. The tribe was here and there were a lot of locals and people from out of town drawn by yesterday’s events,” he said.
“Absolutely people are grieving and it’s completely understandable.“Absolutely people are grieving and it’s completely understandable.
“You don’t need to talk to them to realise they’re hurting and they’re deep in grief.“You don’t need to talk to them to realise they’re hurting and they’re deep in grief.
“It’s a privilege for us as a tribe to be able to welcome people here and be able to care for them.”“It’s a privilege for us as a tribe to be able to welcome people here and be able to care for them.”
Marae leaders maintain close communications with police and other authorities; Australian consular support made themselves known on Monday.Marae leaders maintain close communications with police and other authorities; Australian consular support made themselves known on Monday.
Stewart was eager to point out a historical connection between the marae and Australia and the United Kingdom - two of the countries that had nationals on or near Whakaari during the eruption.Stewart was eager to point out a historical connection between the marae and Australia and the United Kingdom - two of the countries that had nationals on or near Whakaari during the eruption.
The marae is known as Mataatua or ‘the house that came home’.The marae is known as Mataatua or ‘the house that came home’.
The meeting house was built in the 1870s, but seized by colonial powers to Australia and then Britain for exhibitions and kept overseas for more than a century.The meeting house was built in the 1870s, but seized by colonial powers to Australia and then Britain for exhibitions and kept overseas for more than a century.
It returned in 1996, and following restoration work takes pride of place in Whakatane.It returned in 1996, and following restoration work takes pride of place in Whakatane.
“That’s why it’s such a fitting place for today. It’s a symbol of our resilience, our unity and our strength,” Stewart said.“That’s why it’s such a fitting place for today. It’s a symbol of our resilience, our unity and our strength,” Stewart said.
“It’s pertinent, because we do have some Australian whanau, Australian family that were impacted yesterday. There’s no better place for them than ‘the house that came home’ and is now back on our land.”“It’s pertinent, because we do have some Australian whanau, Australian family that were impacted yesterday. There’s no better place for them than ‘the house that came home’ and is now back on our land.”
AAP reports that a website set up by the New Zealand Red Cross to help connect people affected by the catastrophic volcanic eruption off the North Island has been inundated by families of the missing.AAP reports that a website set up by the New Zealand Red Cross to help connect people affected by the catastrophic volcanic eruption off the North Island has been inundated by families of the missing.
People were seeking information about loved ones from the United Kingdom, United States, China, Singapore, Bourdeaux in France, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Canada, Portugal, Burma, New Delhi, New Guinea, and Holland.People were seeking information about loved ones from the United Kingdom, United States, China, Singapore, Bourdeaux in France, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Canada, Portugal, Burma, New Delhi, New Guinea, and Holland.
So far, five people have been confirmed dead.So far, five people have been confirmed dead.
It is believed up to three of those people are Australians, although this has not been confirmed. Another eight, all believed to be Australians, are missing or unaccounted for.It is believed up to three of those people are Australians, although this has not been confirmed. Another eight, all believed to be Australians, are missing or unaccounted for.
Some 34 people, including 13 Australians, were rescued and taken to hospital mostly suffering burns. Of these, 31 remain in hospital while three have been discharged.Some 34 people, including 13 Australians, were rescued and taken to hospital mostly suffering burns. Of these, 31 remain in hospital while three have been discharged.
Here is the Red Cross list of the Australians listed as missing at 09.30 AEDT. Some may still be in hospital, some may be unaccounted for and some may be safe but not yet able to contact the Red Cross or others to notify their status.Here is the Red Cross list of the Australians listed as missing at 09.30 AEDT. Some may still be in hospital, some may be unaccounted for and some may be safe but not yet able to contact the Red Cross or others to notify their status.
Australians listed as missing as of 9:30am AEDTAustralians listed as missing as of 9:30am AEDT
South AustraliaSouth Australia
Gavin Brian Dallow, 35, AdelaideGavin Brian Dallow, 35, Adelaide
Zoe Hosking, 15, AdelaideZoe Hosking, 15, Adelaide
Lisa, no other details, AdelaideLisa, no other details, Adelaide
QueenslandQueensland
Robert Rogers, 78, Herberton, QueenslandRobert Rogers, 78, Herberton, Queensland
Maree Fish, 46, BrisbaneMaree Fish, 46, Brisbane
Amy Miall, 30, BrisbaneAmy Miall, 30, Brisbane
New South WalesNew South Wales
Maureen Jones, 68, Bathurst NSWMaureen Jones, 68, Bathurst NSW
Jason David Griffiths, 33, Coffs Harbour, NSWJason David Griffiths, 33, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Karla Michelle Mathews, 32, Coffs Habour, NSWKarla Michelle Mathews, 32, Coffs Habour, NSW
Richard Aaron Elzer, 32, Coffs HarbourRichard Aaron Elzer, 32, Coffs Harbour
Alison Harris, 52, Newcastle, NSWAlison Harris, 52, Newcastle, NSW
Anthony Langford, 51, North SydneyAnthony Langford, 51, North Sydney
Jesse Landford, 18, North SydneyJesse Landford, 18, North Sydney
Winona Langford, 17, North SydneyWinona Langford, 17, North Sydney
Kristine Langford, age not given, Australia (believed North Sydney)Kristine Langford, age not given, Australia (believed North Sydney)
Gary Woolley, age not given, SydneyGary Woolley, age not given, Sydney
Jane Murray, 56, SydneyJane Murray, 56, Sydney
Marion London, 56, SydneyMarion London, 56, Sydney
Sheree Toope, 31, SydneySheree Toope, 31, Sydney
Mathew Thomas, 31, Tamworth NSWMathew Thomas, 31, Tamworth NSW
VictoriaVictoria
Stuart Raymond Trott, 45, MelbourneStuart Raymond Trott, 45, Melbourne
Australia (no state named)Australia (no state named)
Jessica Richards, 20, AustraliaJessica Richards, 20, Australia
Julie Richards, 47, AustraliaJulie Richards, 47, Australia
Martin Hollander, 48, AustraliaMartin Hollander, 48, Australia
Susan Maree Cole, no other details, AustraliaSusan Maree Cole, no other details, Australia
NZ Red Cross website: redcross.org.nzNZ Red Cross website: redcross.org.nz
Recovering the remaining victims an ‘absolute priority’ for NZ policeRecovering the remaining victims an ‘absolute priority’ for NZ police
New Zealand police have issued a new statement, saying they were continuing work to recover the eight people who are unaccounted for, it reads:New Zealand police have issued a new statement, saying they were continuing work to recover the eight people who are unaccounted for, it reads:
Morgan Godfrey writes for the Guardian:Morgan Godfrey writes for the Guardian:
Zoe Hosking, a year 9 student from Adelaide, is among those missing, her school has confirmed, along with her entire family.Zoe Hosking, a year 9 student from Adelaide, is among those missing, her school has confirmed, along with her entire family.
The atmosphere is sombre at the wharf in Whakatane, with three White Island boats docked in port. A rubber dingy in the back of one of the boats remains covered in ash, and was used yesterday to rescue 23 people off the island following the eruption.The atmosphere is sombre at the wharf in Whakatane, with three White Island boats docked in port. A rubber dingy in the back of one of the boats remains covered in ash, and was used yesterday to rescue 23 people off the island following the eruption.
Local tourism charters have cancelled today’s excursions, saying it wouldn’t be “appropriate” after yesterday’s tragedy. Signs posted by the harbourmaster at the wharf warn people to stay five nautical miles away from White Island, unless tasked with official police or search and rescue business.Local tourism charters have cancelled today’s excursions, saying it wouldn’t be “appropriate” after yesterday’s tragedy. Signs posted by the harbourmaster at the wharf warn people to stay five nautical miles away from White Island, unless tasked with official police or search and rescue business.
A magnitude 5.3 quake has occurred south of Gisborne.A magnitude 5.3 quake has occurred south of Gisborne.
Why was there no warning about the eruption?Why was there no warning about the eruption?
Shane Cronin, a professor at the University of Auckland, has written analysis about what caused the eruption and why we didn’t know it was coming.Shane Cronin, a professor at the University of Auckland, has written analysis about what caused the eruption and why we didn’t know it was coming.
Jacinda Ardern met with first responders this morning.Jacinda Ardern met with first responders this morning.
Laura Clark, the high commissioner to New Zealand has confirmed that two British women were among the injured. They have not been named.Laura Clark, the high commissioner to New Zealand has confirmed that two British women were among the injured. They have not been named.
This is Kate Lyons taking over the blog from Charlotte Graham-McLay. If you have questions, news tips or something to share you can get in touch with me on Twitter or on email: kate.lyons@theguardian.comThis is Kate Lyons taking over the blog from Charlotte Graham-McLay. If you have questions, news tips or something to share you can get in touch with me on Twitter or on email: kate.lyons@theguardian.com
Here’s what we know so far:Here’s what we know so far:
Five people are confirmed dead and eight people are missing, presumed dead, New Zealand officials confirmed on Tuesday morning.Five people are confirmed dead and eight people are missing, presumed dead, New Zealand officials confirmed on Tuesday morning.
Thirty-one people are currently in hospital and three have been discharged. Many of the injured were in critical condition, most from burns.Thirty-one people are currently in hospital and three have been discharged. Many of the injured were in critical condition, most from burns.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters that aerial reconnaissance flights did not show any signs of life on the volcanic White Island and officials are not expecting to find any survivors on the island.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters that aerial reconnaissance flights did not show any signs of life on the volcanic White Island and officials are not expecting to find any survivors on the island.
New Zealanders and tourists from Australia, the United States, Britain, China and Malaysia were among the missing and injured, confirmed Ardern.New Zealanders and tourists from Australia, the United States, Britain, China and Malaysia were among the missing and injured, confirmed Ardern.
Australian prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed that 11 Australians are unaccounted for, he said three Australians are believed to be among the dead. “I fear there is worse news to come,” he said.Australian prime minister Scott Morrison confirmed that 11 Australians are unaccounted for, he said three Australians are believed to be among the dead. “I fear there is worse news to come,” he said.
Ardern confirmed that there were two explosions on the volcanic White Island on Monday afternoon, and the eruptions spewed a plume of ash thousands of metres into the air. She said: “It’s now clear that there were two groups on the island - those who were able to be evacuated and those who were close to the eruption.”Ardern confirmed that there were two explosions on the volcanic White Island on Monday afternoon, and the eruptions spewed a plume of ash thousands of metres into the air. She said: “It’s now clear that there were two groups on the island - those who were able to be evacuated and those who were close to the eruption.”
White Island is about 50 km (30 miles) from the east coast of North Island and huge plumes were visible from the mainland. Volcanologists said the ash plume shot 12,000 feet (3,658 m) into the air.White Island is about 50 km (30 miles) from the east coast of North Island and huge plumes were visible from the mainland. Volcanologists said the ash plume shot 12,000 feet (3,658 m) into the air.
There were still concerns on Tuesday morning about how close rescuers can get to the island due to ashfall, with officials saying they had reports of boats returning filled with up to half a metre of ash.There were still concerns on Tuesday morning about how close rescuers can get to the island due to ashfall, with officials saying they had reports of boats returning filled with up to half a metre of ash.
Ray Cas, a professor emeritus at Monash University, has told Reuters that the island “has been a disaster waiting to happen for many years”.Ray Cas, a professor emeritus at Monash University, has told Reuters that the island “has been a disaster waiting to happen for many years”.
“Having visited it twice, I have always felt that it was too dangerous to allow the daily tour groups that visit the uninhabited island volcano by boat and helicopter,” Cas said in comments published by the Australian Science Media Centre.“Having visited it twice, I have always felt that it was too dangerous to allow the daily tour groups that visit the uninhabited island volcano by boat and helicopter,” Cas said in comments published by the Australian Science Media Centre.
More front pages from Australia:More front pages from Australia:
The eruption leads the papers in Australia today.The eruption leads the papers in Australia today.
Stephen D’Antal in Tauranga has spoken to Australian journalist Donna Field, who was on board the Ovation of the Seas for a family holiday.Stephen D’Antal in Tauranga has spoken to Australian journalist Donna Field, who was on board the Ovation of the Seas for a family holiday.
She said passengers had been told to be back on board by 5.30pm on Tuesday but had no information on when they would sail.She said passengers had been told to be back on board by 5.30pm on Tuesday but had no information on when they would sail.
“The mood has changed dramatically,” said Field, who works for the ABC.“The mood has changed dramatically,” said Field, who works for the ABC.
Field said she watched ship’s captain Henrik Loy on Monday afternoon as he dealt with breaking news of the disaster to the passengers.Field said she watched ship’s captain Henrik Loy on Monday afternoon as he dealt with breaking news of the disaster to the passengers.
“His voice was pretty shaky,” she said. “He had two phones in his hands and was just pacing on the bridge. I can’t imagine what he was going through. Everyone just stood stock still and listened. They’re shaken up.”“His voice was pretty shaky,” she said. “He had two phones in his hands and was just pacing on the bridge. I can’t imagine what he was going through. Everyone just stood stock still and listened. They’re shaken up.”