9 Dec 2019

As it happened: Eruption at Whakaari / White Island

9:32 pm on 9 December 2019

Police have confirmed at least five people are dead after today's eruption on Whakaari / White Island in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Police earlier said up to 27 tourists may still be on the island, along with the 23 people already rescued, which included the five people killed.

Follow how the day's events unfolded with RNZ's live blog:

The ash cloud rising from White Island today.

The ash cloud rising from White Island today. Photo: GeoNet

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