A photo courtesy of Michael Schade shows the volcano on New Zealand's White Island spewing steam and ash moments after it erupted
A photo courtesy of Michael Schade shows the volcano on New Zealand's White Island spewing steam and ash moments after it erupted Michael Schade / Handout

The situation is reportedly dire after a volcanic eruption on an island off the coast of New Zealand. Authorities confirmed that a volcano on the popular tourist attraction, White Island, erupted on Monday afternoon local time. Searches by air have so far shown “no signs of life” on the island.

“Police believe that anyone who could have been taken from the island alive were rescued at the time of the evacuation,” New Zealand police said in a statement. “Based on the information we have, we do not believe there are any survivors on the island.”

White Island is roughly 30 miles off the coast of northern New Zealand in the Bay of Plenty. Experts have called it the most active volcano in the country, with 70% of the cone existing underwater. This is the first time this volcano has erupted since 2001.

Around 50 people were said to be on the island when the eruption took place, both New Zealanders and foreign tourists, according to Deputy Commissioner John Timms.

Police have confirmed that 23 people have been evacuated from the island, five of which are confirmed to be dead. The exact number of missing has not been confirmed, but police have said that it is in the double-digits.

Tweets from the island appear to show people very close to the island’s crater near the time of the eruption.

“We are continuing to work as quickly as possible, through a number of channels of information, to confirm exact numbers of those involved, including those who remain on the island,” the official statement continued.

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