UPDATE: Eruption on White Island – one fatality confirmed

Police are continuing to work with the National Emergency Management Agency to coordinate a search and rescue operation following a volcanic eruption at White Island this afternoon.

The eruption occurred about 2:11pm.

While it was initially believed there were approximately 100 people on or near the island at the time of the eruption, we now believe there were fewer than 50.

There remain a number of people on the island who are unaccounted for.

Both New Zealanders and overseas tourists are believed to be involved.

/NZ Police Public Release. View in full here.