La Soufriere volcano on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent "explosively" erupted on Friday morning, spreading ash across surrounding villages, the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre said.

Late on Thursday, Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, said people living in so-called red zones in the northwest and northeast of the island needed to evacuate immediately as the volcano pumped out more smoke and steam.

La Soufriere volcano on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent "explosively" erupted on Friday morning, spreading ash across surrounding villages, the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre said.

La Soufriere volcano on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent "explosively" erupted on Friday morning, spreading ash across surrounding villages, the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre said. Late on Thursday, Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, said people living in so-called red zones in the northwest and northeast of the island needed to evacuate immediately as the volcano pumped out more smoke and steam.

'Explosive' volcanic eruption rocks Caribbean island St Vincent

Thousands of visitors have been drawn to the Icelandic volcano which erupted on March 19 as it continues to spew out lava. Since the eruption started, people have hiked to the site on the Reykjanes Peninsula, some 30 kilometres southwest of the capital, hoping to be awed by the rare lava fountains.

Playing volleyball or cooking hot dogs, spectacular 'lava show' draws visitors to Icelandic volcano

After lying dormant for 6,000 years, a volcano in Iceland erupted over the weekend. The 'minor' eruption has become a public spectacle than a public safety hazard. WION's Molly Gambhir gets you this report.

Gravitas: Iceland wakes from 6,000-year slumber

Volcanic eruption in Iceland leaves behind a magmatic trail of orange hues

Iceland is staring at an imminent volcanic eruption. Thousands of earthquakes in the past few days have rattled its people and sleepless nights and a tireless wait for an eruption. WION brings you a report.

WION Dispatch: Iceland threat of volcanic eruption after thousands of quakes

Scientists recently discovered the oldest volcanic rock on our planet.&nbsp; In 2020, the volcanic rock was discovered in the Sahara desert and can be dated back to a long time ago, precisely 2 million years after the creation of the solar system as we know it today, or simply 4.6&nbsp;billion years ago!

Based on this dateline, this is the oldest rock to be retrieved from Earth - a million years older than the previous record-holding rock.&nbsp;Volcanic rocks are considered building blocks of planets.

Jean-Alix Barrat from the University of Western Brittany in France claimed that they had been working on meteorites for over 20 years. NewScientists quoted Barrat saying - "This is possibly the most fantastic new meteorite I have ever seen''.&nbsp;

The meteorite is called Erg Chech 002 or EC 002 and was found to be unlike any other meteorite they had ever seen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-sea-slug-species-can-regrow-its-whole-body-out-of-its-head-369060" hreflang="en">This sea slug species can regrow its whole body - out of its head!</a>

The rock in question made of "andesite" is found mostly in subduction areas on Earth. These are places where tectonic plates collided, following which they were pushed beneath the other. This is rarely found among meteorites. Scientists conducted an analysis of the chemical make-up of the meteorite and found that it was once molten and that it solidified nearly 4.6 billion years ago.

What does this imply?&nbsp; 
The rock can be traced back to an ancient protoplanet that disintegrated early in the solar system's past.&nbsp; This relic is one of a kind, for no other asteroids resemble the make-up of the rock. Other remains of the ancient protoplanet have most likely perished by crashing or smashing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-just-spotted-most-distant-radio-blast-to-ever-reach-earth-369043" hreflang="en">Scientists just spotted most distant radio blast to ever reach Earth!</a>

Barratt believes they shall not be able to find a sample older than this one, adding that retrieving information becomes complicated as scientists attempt to move closer to understanding how the solar system came into being.

If further study of this rock and ones similar to it is undertaken, we may be able to ascertain how Earth and other planets in our solar system were formed.

Scientists recently discovered the oldest volcanic rock on our planet. In 2020, the volcanic rock was discovered in the Sahara desert and can be dated back to a long time ago, precisely 2 million years after the creation of the solar system as we know it today, or simply 4.

Scientists recently discovered the oldest volcanic rock on our planet. In 2020, the volcanic rock was discovered in the Sahara desert and can be dated back to a long time ago, precisely 2 million years after the creation of the solar system as we know it today, or simply 4.6 billion years ago! Based on this dateline, this is the oldest rock to be retrieved from Earth - a million years older than the previous record-holding rock. Volcanic rocks are considered building blocks of planets. Jean-Alix Barrat from the University of Western Brittany in France claimed that they had been working on meteorites for over 20 years. NewScientists quoted Barrat saying - "This is possibly the most fantastic new meteorite I have ever seen''. The meteorite is called Erg Chech 002 or EC 002 and was found to be unlike any other meteorite they had ever seen. Also read: This sea slug species can regrow its whole body - out of its head! The rock in question made of "andesite" is found mostly in subduction areas on Earth. These are places where tectonic plates collided, following which they were pushed beneath the other. This is rarely found among meteorites. Scientists conducted an analysis of the chemical make-up of the meteorite and found that it was once molten and that it solidified nearly 4.6 billion years ago. What does this imply? The rock can be traced back to an ancient protoplanet that disintegrated early in the solar system's past. This relic is one of a kind, for no other asteroids resemble the make-up of the rock. Other remains of the ancient protoplanet have most likely perished by crashing or smashing. Also read: Scientists just spotted most distant radio blast to ever reach Earth! Barratt believes they shall not be able to find a sample older than this one, adding that retrieving information becomes complicated as scientists attempt to move closer to understanding how the solar system came into being. If further study of this rock and ones similar to it is undertaken, we may be able to ascertain how Earth and other planets in our solar system were formed.

Scientists discover oldest volcanic rock to exist on Earth

A recent swarm of earthquakes across south-western Iceland have put officials on alert for potential volcanic activity.&nbsp;

Southwest Iceland is a seismically active part of the world. More than 20,000 earthquakes have shaken the region this week, rattling the capital city of Reykjavik and keeping geologists on their toes as all signs point to a pending volcanic eruption, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported.

Similar bursts of seismic activity in the country have previously caused volcanic eruptions, the office said.&nbsp;

Tremors signalling a potential eruption were detected on Wednesday afternoon, near Mount Keilir, inactive for the past 800 years, the Icelandic Met Office said.

A 5.7-magnitude earthquake was registered in the area last week.

"The magma is fracturing and it is so close to the surface... that we have to take it seriously," Freysteinn Sigmundsson, a geophysicist at the University of Iceland, told AFP.

While an eruption is possible, Sigmundsson cautioned that "it is not certain -- the situation can last for hours or even longer with many small earthquakes."

Police have cut off roads around the mountain, according to an AFP photographer near the area.

Although Keflavik International Airport and the small fishing port of Grindavik are only a few kilometres away, the area in the immediate vicinity is uninhabited and no evacuation was announced on Wednesday.

"In case of an eruption, we are expecting a small one, where lava is flowing. We are not expecting a large, explosive eruption. The impact on atmosphere, flights and living conditions of people will be minimal," Sigmundsson said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Earlier today a tremor pulse was detected south of Mt Keilir, in the Reykjanes Peninsula, SW Iceland. No eruption has yet been detected but due to risks related to volcanic activity, all traffic near Keilir and Mt Fagradalsfjall is prohibited, including drone flights.
— Almannavarnir (@almannavarnir) <a href="https://twitter.com/almannavarnir/status/1367155275879362563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The region has been under increased surveillance due to an unusual number of smaller tremors since the quake on February 24, which was felt in Reykjavik, and large parts of western Iceland.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
3/3 Yesterday around 3000 earthquakes were detected and from midnigh around 800 been detected. Most activity after midnight has been near Fagradalsfjall, has moved a bit NE, compared to yesterday. No tremor been measured during the night, but earthquake activity is still active
— Icelandic Meteorological Office - IMO (@Vedurstofan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vedurstofan/status/1367761800473772033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A bit scary

In eight days, over 16,000 tremors have been recorded, compared to 1,000 normally for a whole year.

"I've lived in Grindavik all my life, but it's the first time we've had tremors this powerful and this frequent," said Kristin Birgisdottir, tourist chief in the small fishing town of just 3,500 inhabitants.

"It's always a bit of a strange experience. It's a bit scary, but you know the houses aren't going to collapse, so it's OK," said Erla Petursdottir, an HR manager.

Such intense seismic activity has not been recorded in the region since digital monitoring began in 1991.

Iceland is the most active volcanic region in Europe, with an eruption every five years on average.

The last eruption was at Holuhraun, beginning in August 2014 and ending in February 2015, in the Bardarbunga volcanic system in an uninhabited area in the south-east of the island.

That eruption did not cause any major disruptions outside the immediate vicinity.

But in 2010, an eruption at the Eyjafjallajokull volcano sent a huge cloud of smoke and ash into the atmosphere that led to the cancellation of more than 100,000 flights worldwide, stranding some eight million passengers.

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent swarm of earthquakes across south-western Iceland have put officials on alert for potential volcanic activity. Southwest Iceland is a seismically active part of the world.

A recent swarm of earthquakes across south-western Iceland have put officials on alert for potential volcanic activity. Southwest Iceland is a seismically active part of the world. More than 20,000 earthquakes have shaken the region this week, rattling the capital city of Reykjavik and keeping geologists on their toes as all signs point to a pending volcanic eruption, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported. Similar bursts of seismic activity in the country have previously caused volcanic eruptions, the office said. Tremors signalling a potential eruption were detected on Wednesday afternoon, near Mount Keilir, inactive for the past 800 years, the Icelandic Met Office said. A 5.7-magnitude earthquake was registered in the area last week. "The magma is fracturing and it is so close to the surface... that we have to take it seriously," Freysteinn Sigmundsson, a geophysicist at the University of Iceland, told AFP. While an eruption is possible, Sigmundsson cautioned that "it is not certain -- the situation can last for hours or even longer with many small earthquakes." Police have cut off roads around the mountain, according to an AFP photographer near the area. Although Keflavik International Airport and the small fishing port of Grindavik are only a few kilometres away, the area in the immediate vicinity is uninhabited and no evacuation was announced on Wednesday. "In case of an eruption, we are expecting a small one, where lava is flowing. We are not expecting a large, explosive eruption. The impact on atmosphere, flights and living conditions of people will be minimal," Sigmundsson said. Earlier today a tremor pulse was detected south of Mt Keilir, in the Reykjanes Peninsula, SW Iceland. No eruption has yet been detected but due to risks related to volcanic activity, all traffic near Keilir and Mt Fagradalsfjall is prohibited, including drone flights. — Almannavarnir (@almannavarnir) March 3, 2021 × The region has been under increased surveillance due to an unusual number of smaller tremors since the quake on February 24, which was felt in Reykjavik, and large parts of western Iceland. 3/3 Yesterday around 3000 earthquakes were detected and from midnigh around 800 been detected. Most activity after midnight has been near Fagradalsfjall, has moved a bit NE, compared to yesterday. No tremor been measured during the night, but earthquake activity is still active — Icelandic Meteorological Office - IMO (@Vedurstofan) March 5, 2021 × A bit scary In eight days, over 16,000 tremors have been recorded, compared to 1,000 normally for a whole year. "I've lived in Grindavik all my life, but it's the first time we've had tremors this powerful and this frequent," said Kristin Birgisdottir, tourist chief in the small fishing town of just 3,500 inhabitants. "It's always a bit of a strange experience. It's a bit scary, but you know the houses aren't going to collapse, so it's OK," said Erla Petursdottir, an HR manager. Such intense seismic activity has not been recorded in the region since digital monitoring began in 1991. Iceland is the most active volcanic region in Europe, with an eruption every five years on average. The last eruption was at Holuhraun, beginning in August 2014 and ending in February 2015, in the Bardarbunga volcanic system in an uninhabited area in the south-east of the island. That eruption did not cause any major disruptions outside the immediate vicinity. But in 2010, an eruption at the Eyjafjallajokull volcano sent a huge cloud of smoke and ash into the atmosphere that led to the cancellation of more than 100,000 flights worldwide, stranding some eight million passengers. (With inputs from agencies)

Iceland records 20,000 earthquakes in a week; country braces for volcanic eruption

In Pics: Mount Etna erupts in spectacular manner

A volcano in Indonesia's East Java province erupted on Saturday, spewing ash and smoke as high as an estimated 5.6 kilometres into the sky, according to data from the geological agency at the country's energy ministry.

Indonesia has nearly 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country, and while many show high levels of activity it can be weeks or even months before an eruption.

The Semeru mountain erupted at just past 5 p.m. local time. Videos posted on social media showed grey ash clouds towering over houses.

The country's disaster mitigation agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility of evacuation.

Other volcanoes, such as the Merapi volcano on the island of Java and Sinabung on Sumatra, have shown signs of activity recently.

A volcano in Indonesia's East Java province erupted on Saturday, spewing ash and smoke as high as an estimated 5.6 kilometres into the sky, according to data from the geological agency at the country's energy ministry.

A volcano in Indonesia's East Java province erupted on Saturday, spewing ash and smoke as high as an estimated 5.6 kilometres into the sky, according to data from the geological agency at the country's energy ministry. Indonesia has nearly 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country, and while many show high levels of activity it can be weeks or even months before an eruption. The Semeru mountain erupted at just past 5 p.m. local time. Videos posted on social media showed grey ash clouds towering over houses. The country's disaster mitigation agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility of evacuation. Other volcanoes, such as the Merapi volcano on the island of Java and Sinabung on Sumatra, have shown signs of activity recently.

Indonesian Semeru volcano erupts, spews ash 5 kilometres into sky

An eruption from Mount Etna lit up the sky during the night on Wednesday (January 13), seen from Fornazzo, a small village under the volcano.

Colourful explosions from Mount Etna light up night sky

Thousands have fled the scene of a rumbling Indonesian volcano that burst to life for the first time in several years, belching a massive column of smoke and ash, the disaster agency said Monday.

The evacuation of more than 4,400 residents came as Mount Ili Lewotolok erupted Sunday, spouting a thick tower of debris four kilometres (2.5 miles) into the sky, triggering a flight warning and the closure of a local airport.

The crater's last major eruption was in 2017.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-erupts-in-indonesia-throws-up-smoke-four-kilometres-in-air-346278">Volcano erupts in Indonesia, throws up smoke four kilometres in air</a>

There were no reports of injuries or damage from the eruption in a remote part of the Southeast Asian archipelago.

But authorities advised residents to wear masks to protect themselves from volcanic ash spouting from the crater in East Nusa Tenggara -- the southernmost province of Indonesia -- and to be alert for possible lava flows.

"To minimise the health impact from volcanic ash, it is recommended that people wear a mask or other equipment to protect their eyes and skin," National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Raditya Jati said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/skeletons-of-rich-man-and-his-male-slave-found-from-ashes-at-pompeii-excavation-344621">Skeletons of rich man and his 'male slave' found from ashes at Pompeii excavation</a>

A two-kilometre no-go zone around the crater was also expanded to four kilometres after Sunday's eruption, while flights were advised to steer clear of the area as volcanic ash rained down on the local Wunopitu airport, which was temporarily closed.

Indonesia is home to about 130 active volcanoes due to its position on the "Ring of Fire", a belt of tectonic plate boundaries circling the Pacific Ocean where frequent seismic activity occurs.

In late 2018, a volcano in the strait between Java and Sumatra islands erupted, causing an underwater landslide that unleashed a tsunami which killed more than 400 people.

Thousands have fled the scene of a rumbling Indonesian volcano that burst to life for the first time in several years, belching a massive column of smoke and ash, the disaster agency said Monday.

Thousands have fled the scene of a rumbling Indonesian volcano that burst to life for the first time in several years, belching a massive column of smoke and ash, the disaster agency said Monday. The evacuation of more than 4,400 residents came as Mount Ili Lewotolok erupted Sunday, spouting a thick tower of debris four kilometres (2.5 miles) into the sky, triggering a flight warning and the closure of a local airport. The crater's last major eruption was in 2017. Also read| Volcano erupts in Indonesia, throws up smoke four kilometres in air There were no reports of injuries or damage from the eruption in a remote part of the Southeast Asian archipelago. But authorities advised residents to wear masks to protect themselves from volcanic ash spouting from the crater in East Nusa Tenggara -- the southernmost province of Indonesia -- and to be alert for possible lava flows. "To minimise the health impact from volcanic ash, it is recommended that people wear a mask or other equipment to protect their eyes and skin," National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Raditya Jati said. Also read| Skeletons of rich man and his 'male slave' found from ashes at Pompeii excavation A two-kilometre no-go zone around the crater was also expanded to four kilometres after Sunday's eruption, while flights were advised to steer clear of the area as volcanic ash rained down on the local Wunopitu airport, which was temporarily closed. Indonesia is home to about 130 active volcanoes due to its position on the "Ring of Fire", a belt of tectonic plate boundaries circling the Pacific Ocean where frequent seismic activity occurs. In late 2018, a volcano in the strait between Java and Sumatra islands erupted, causing an underwater landslide that unleashed a tsunami which killed more than 400 people.

Thousands flee as Indonesian volcano bursts to life

New Zealand's workplace safety watchdog handed down criminal charges Monday over last year's White Island volcanic eruption that claimed 22 lives and left dozens more with horrific burns.

WorkSafe had investigated why 47 people, mainly Australian tourists, were on the island in December 2019 when a column of burning ash and steam blasted from a volcanic vent.

Chief executive Phil Parkes announced charges against 10 organisations and three individuals who took tourists to the country's most active volcano just weeks after the eruption threat alert level had been raised.

"This deeply tragic event was unexpected but that does not mean it was unforeseeable," Parkes said. &nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-erupts-in-indonesia-throws-up-smoke-four-kilometres-in-air-346278">Volcano erupts in Indonesia, throws up smoke four kilometres in air</a>

"The victims, both workers and visitors alike, all had a reasonable expectation that they could go to the island knowing that the organisations involved had done all they were required to do to look after their health and safety," he added.

Parkes refused to detail who was facing charges in case the court granted them name suppression, although the identities of some were revealed through other sources.

Two tour company operators told local media that they had been charged, while Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that two government agencies were also being prosecuted.

She said the agencies are GNS Science, responsible for monitoring volcanic activity, and the National Emergency Management Authority, which handles disaster planning.

"There is no easy process here but it is the job of WorkSafe to ensure that if there are questions to be answered that they lead the charge on that," she said.

"It's an independent decision for them... we really need to leave it at that."

The prosecution by WorkSafe does not carry the threat of jail time for those who took tourists sightseeing on the island, with hefty fines being the maximum penalty.

Adventure scrutiny

Parkes said the organisations involved could be fined up to NZ$1.5 million (US$1.1 million), with individuals facing maximum fines of NZ$300,000.

He said it was the most extensive and complex investigation his organisation had ever carried out.

A separate inquiry by the coroner's office has been running in parallel with the WorkSafe probe and could potentially result in more charges being recommended.

But it will not release any findings until the WorkSafe cases have been dealt with.

"The Chief Coroner's inquiry into the Whakaari/White Island eruption deaths remains on hold until other agencies' prosecutions have gone through the judicial process," a spokesman for the coroner said.

The disaster put the spotlight on the regulation of New Zealand's adventure tourism industry, which offers adrenaline-fuelled activities such as bungee-jumping, jet-boating and black water rafting.

Day trips to White Island were promoted to visitors, including cruise ship passengers, as a thrilling opportunity to stand on an active volcano.

But critics said New Zealand's light-touch regulatory regime meant there was little communication about the genuine risks involved.

Tourists have not been allowed on the island since the disaster and Parkes said the entire adventure tourism sector was now under scrutiny.

"WorkSafe has been reflecting on its practices and is making changes to the way that we implement the adventure activities regime," he said.

New Zealand's workplace safety watchdog handed down criminal charges Monday over last year's White Island volcanic eruption that claimed 22 lives and left dozens more with horrific burns.

New Zealand's workplace safety watchdog handed down criminal charges Monday over last year's White Island volcanic eruption that claimed 22 lives and left dozens more with horrific burns. WorkSafe had investigated why 47 people, mainly Australian tourists, were on the island in December 2019 when a column of burning ash and steam blasted from a volcanic vent. Chief executive Phil Parkes announced charges against 10 organisations and three individuals who took tourists to the country's most active volcano just weeks after the eruption threat alert level had been raised. "This deeply tragic event was unexpected but that does not mean it was unforeseeable," Parkes said. Also read| Volcano erupts in Indonesia, throws up smoke four kilometres in air "The victims, both workers and visitors alike, all had a reasonable expectation that they could go to the island knowing that the organisations involved had done all they were required to do to look after their health and safety," he added. Parkes refused to detail who was facing charges in case the court granted them name suppression, although the identities of some were revealed through other sources. Two tour company operators told local media that they had been charged, while Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that two government agencies were also being prosecuted. She said the agencies are GNS Science, responsible for monitoring volcanic activity, and the National Emergency Management Authority, which handles disaster planning. "There is no easy process here but it is the job of WorkSafe to ensure that if there are questions to be answered that they lead the charge on that," she said. "It's an independent decision for them... we really need to leave it at that." The prosecution by WorkSafe does not carry the threat of jail time for those who took tourists sightseeing on the island, with hefty fines being the maximum penalty. Adventure scrutiny Parkes said the organisations involved could be fined up to NZ$1.5 million (US$1.1 million), with individuals facing maximum fines of NZ$300,000. He said it was the most extensive and complex investigation his organisation had ever carried out. A separate inquiry by the coroner's office has been running in parallel with the WorkSafe probe and could potentially result in more charges being recommended. But it will not release any findings until the WorkSafe cases have been dealt with. "The Chief Coroner's inquiry into the Whakaari/White Island eruption deaths remains on hold until other agencies' prosecutions have gone through the judicial process," a spokesman for the coroner said. The disaster put the spotlight on the regulation of New Zealand's adventure tourism industry, which offers adrenaline-fuelled activities such as bungee-jumping, jet-boating and black water rafting. Day trips to White Island were promoted to visitors, including cruise ship passengers, as a thrilling opportunity to stand on an active volcano. But critics said New Zealand's light-touch regulatory regime meant there was little communication about the genuine risks involved. Tourists have not been allowed on the island since the disaster and Parkes said the entire adventure tourism sector was now under scrutiny. "WorkSafe has been reflecting on its practices and is making changes to the way that we implement the adventure activities regime," he said.

New Zealand lays charges over volcano deaths

A volcano in Indonesia erupted on Sunday triggering a flight warning and closure of a local airport. The explosion threw a column of smoke and ash four kilometres (2.5 miles in the air). There have been no reports of injuries or damage so far. However, the authorities have raised the volcano's alert status to it second-highest level. They have also warned of lava flows.

A two-kilometre no-go zone has been expanded to four kilometres. Flights have been advised to steer clear of the area. White volcanic ash rained down on East Nusa Tenggara's Wunopitu airport. The airport was temporarily closed.

"People are advised to not carry out any activities within a four-kilometre radius from the crater," Indonesia's geological agency said.

There are about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia due to its position on the "Ring of Fire" a belt of tectonic plate boundaries circling the Pacific Ocean where frequent seismic activity occurs.

In late 2018, a volcano in the strait between Java and Sumatra islands erupted, causing an underwater landslide that unleashed a tsunami which killed more than 400 people.

(With AFP inputs)

A volcano in Indonesia erupted on Sunday triggering a flight warning and closure of a local airport. The explosion threw a column of smoke and ash four kilometres (2.

A volcano in Indonesia erupted on Sunday triggering a flight warning and closure of a local airport. The explosion threw a column of smoke and ash four kilometres (2.5 miles in the air). There have been no reports of injuries or damage so far. However, the authorities have raised the volcano's alert status to it second-highest level. They have also warned of lava flows. A two-kilometre no-go zone has been expanded to four kilometres. Flights have been advised to steer clear of the area. White volcanic ash rained down on East Nusa Tenggara's Wunopitu airport. The airport was temporarily closed. "People are advised to not carry out any activities within a four-kilometre radius from the crater," Indonesia's geological agency said. There are about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia due to its position on the "Ring of Fire" a belt of tectonic plate boundaries circling the Pacific Ocean where frequent seismic activity occurs. In late 2018, a volcano in the strait between Java and Sumatra islands erupted, causing an underwater landslide that unleashed a tsunami which killed more than 400 people. (With AFP inputs)

Volcano erupts in Indonesia, throws up smoke four kilometres in air

Iceland's most active volcano is steering up once again. The Grimsvotn volcano has erupted 13 times since the year 1902. Watch report.

Rare Iceland volcano set to erupt: Grímsvötn volcano last erupted in 2011

An Indonesian volcano spewed a giant ash cloud 5 km (3.1 miles) into the sky on Monday in its second eruption in three days, emitting a thunderous noise and turning the sky dark, authorities and witnesses said.

The eruption of Mount Sinabung on the island of Sumatra comes after more than a year of inactivity and was the second since Saturday, as authorities warned residents and tourists about possible lava flows.

Dramatic footage of the morning eruption captured by residents showed a giant cloud of thick ash rising from the peak of the 2,460-metre (8,071-ft) mountain in Karo, North Sumatra.

"The sound was like thunder, it lasted for less than 30 seconds," resident Fachrur Rozi Pasi told Reuters by phone.

Residents have been advised to stay outside of a 3 km radius of the volcano and to wear masks to minimise the effects of falling volcanic ash, the volcanology agency said in a statement.

No casualties have been reported and a spokeswoman for the civil aviation authority said flights were still operating in the region.

"The situation around Mount Sinabung is very dark now," said Gilbert Sembiring, who was visiting a friend in Naman Teran Kampung when Sinabung erupted.

"It was bigger than the eruption a couple of days ago."

Sinabung, located in one of the world`s most volcanically active countries, had been inactive for centuries before it erupted again in 2010.

An Indonesian volcano spewed a giant ash cloud 5 km (3.1 miles) into the sky on Monday in its second eruption in three days, emitting a thunderous noise and turning the sky dark, authorities and witnesses said.

An Indonesian volcano spewed a giant ash cloud 5 km (3.1 miles) into the sky on Monday in its second eruption in three days, emitting a thunderous noise and turning the sky dark, authorities and witnesses said. The eruption of Mount Sinabung on the island of Sumatra comes after more than a year of inactivity and was the second since Saturday, as authorities warned residents and tourists about possible lava flows. Dramatic footage of the morning eruption captured by residents showed a giant cloud of thick ash rising from the peak of the 2,460-metre (8,071-ft) mountain in Karo, North Sumatra. "The sound was like thunder, it lasted for less than 30 seconds," resident Fachrur Rozi Pasi told Reuters by phone. Residents have been advised to stay outside of a 3 km radius of the volcano and to wear masks to minimise the effects of falling volcanic ash, the volcanology agency said in a statement. No casualties have been reported and a spokeswoman for the civil aviation authority said flights were still operating in the region. "The situation around Mount Sinabung is very dark now," said Gilbert Sembiring, who was visiting a friend in Naman Teran Kampung when Sinabung erupted. "It was bigger than the eruption a couple of days ago." Sinabung, located in one of the world`s most volcanically active countries, had been inactive for centuries before it erupted again in 2010.

Indonesia volcano spews huge ash cloud in second eruption in three days

Indonesia's Mt. Sinabung erupts spewing smoke and ash

Scientists in New Zealand claim to have invented a warning system which will effectively predict volcanic eruptions to prevent loss of life.

A volcanic blast on White Island in 2019 killed 21 people, for there was no predictive&nbsp;warning system in place.&nbsp;

"Early warning"

The research behind the mechanism says that it is able to track and predict seismic activity before a potential eruption takes place.

In conversation with the Guardian, the University of Auckland researchers Dempsey and Cronin claimed that had this “early warning” system been in place last year when the tragedy occurred on White Island, red flags would have been raised “16 hours before the volcano’s deadly eruption”.

The country already has a series of monitoring tools, namely the one operated by GNS Science and called “The Geonet”, which measures the movements and tremors on earth.

<h6><img alt="Smoke rises from Mount Aso, an active volcano, near the city of Aso in Kumamoto prefecture on December 13, 2019. Mount Aso's huge caldera dominates the southwestern main island of Kyushu, where the 1,592-metre (5,253-foot) volcano is a popular tourist spot." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b3537f9-eb27-4d77-bce1-dc6a2c2d44c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_39.jpg" /> 
Smoke rises from Mount Aso, an active volcano, near the city of Aso in Kumamoto prefecture on December 13, 2019. Mount Aso's huge caldera dominates the southwestern main island of Kyushu, where the 1,592-metre (5,253-foot) volcano is a popular tourist spot. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

However, it is a log system which collects and collates data from thousands of earthquakes, without offering prediction.

Dempsey and Cronin claim to have applied data from the past to set up “machine learning algorithms”, which lets them spot patterns leading up to and after the eruptions.

For instance, they claimed that the 2019 eruption happened after 17 hours of seismic activity, and hence could have been avoided by ringing alarm bells.

A pressure cooker? Kind of!

According to them, this began with a “strong four-hour burst of seismic activity”, which caused “magmatic fluid” to rise up and to creature pressure on the gas and water which was trapped in the rock.

Comparing it to a pressure cooker lid blasting off, they said this is what led to the eruption in the end.&nbsp;They also claimed that a similar pattern of seismic signals and activity was recorded in August 2013, and before other two similar eruptions in 2012.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/probes-into-new-zealand-volcano-tragedy-to-take-months-and-carry-criminal-penalties-268452" hreflang="en">Probes into New Zealand volcano tragedy to take months and carry criminal penalties</a>

Even though the system faces its own loopholes and drawbacks, the researchers are confident that four out of five times, it will successfully contain an eruption, especially large ones along the lines of the one in 2019.

They added that the warnings would require people to avoid the area altogether and desert it for a month every year.&nbsp;In a bid to make the system operational and ready to save lives, the two researchers are now working with GNS Science. Additionally, the data and software is open source, offering people the chance to offer improvement updates.

In the aftermath of the White Island tragedy in December last year, tourists have stopped visiting the island altogether, clubbed with coronavirus fears.

The research is set to be published in Nature Communications this week. New Zealand and surrounding regions are highly susceptible to volcanic eruptions, putting many lives at risk.

Scientists in New Zealand claim to have invented a warning system which will effectively predict volcanic eruptions to prevent loss of life. A volcanic blast on White Island in 2019 killed 21 people, for there was no predictive warning system in place.

Scientists in New Zealand claim to have invented a warning system which will effectively predict volcanic eruptions to prevent loss of life. A volcanic blast on White Island in 2019 killed 21 people, for there was no predictive warning system in place. "Early warning" The research behind the mechanism says that it is able to track and predict seismic activity before a potential eruption takes place. In conversation with the Guardian, the University of Auckland researchers Dempsey and Cronin claimed that had this “early warning” system been in place last year when the tragedy occurred on White Island, red flags would have been raised “16 hours before the volcano’s deadly eruption”. The country already has a series of monitoring tools, namely the one operated by GNS Science and called “The Geonet”, which measures the movements and tremors on earth. Smoke rises from Mount Aso, an active volcano, near the city of Aso in Kumamoto prefecture on December 13, 2019. Mount Aso's huge caldera dominates the southwestern main island of Kyushu, where the 1,592-metre (5,253-foot) volcano is a popular tourist spot. | AFP However, it is a log system which collects and collates data from thousands of earthquakes, without offering prediction. Dempsey and Cronin claim to have applied data from the past to set up “machine learning algorithms”, which lets them spot patterns leading up to and after the eruptions. For instance, they claimed that the 2019 eruption happened after 17 hours of seismic activity, and hence could have been avoided by ringing alarm bells. A pressure cooker? Kind of! According to them, this began with a “strong four-hour burst of seismic activity”, which caused “magmatic fluid” to rise up and to creature pressure on the gas and water which was trapped in the rock. Comparing it to a pressure cooker lid blasting off, they said this is what led to the eruption in the end. They also claimed that a similar pattern of seismic signals and activity was recorded in August 2013, and before other two similar eruptions in 2012. Also read: Probes into New Zealand volcano tragedy to take months and carry criminal penalties Even though the system faces its own loopholes and drawbacks, the researchers are confident that four out of five times, it will successfully contain an eruption, especially large ones along the lines of the one in 2019. They added that the warnings would require people to avoid the area altogether and desert it for a month every year. In a bid to make the system operational and ready to save lives, the two researchers are now working with GNS Science. Additionally, the data and software is open source, offering people the chance to offer improvement updates. In the aftermath of the White Island tragedy in December last year, tourists have stopped visiting the island altogether, clubbed with coronavirus fears. The research is set to be published in Nature Communications this week. New Zealand and surrounding regions are highly susceptible to volcanic eruptions, putting many lives at risk.

Scientists in New Zealand invent a warning system that predicts volcanic eruptions

The eruption of a volcano in Ecuador's Amazon region left several cities covered in ash, fueling concerns of a potential health impact as the South American nation slowly emerges from a brutal coronavirus outbreak.

Ecuador volcano erupts, leaves cities in ash

One of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Merapi, erupted Tuesday morning, spewing a column of thick ash by up to six kilometers high.

Indonesia's most active volcano Mount Merapi erupts

Before volcano Taal started spewing ash and lava, farmer Jack Imperial was about to harvest pineapples at his one-hectare plantation and sell them to tourists who usually drop by at his small store at a local market in Tagaytay city.

Ash-covered pineapples a woe for Filipino farmer struggling to make a living

Thousands of residents living near a restive volcano south of Manila sought refuge at temporary shelters on Monday (January 13) after it spewed ash and blanketed several towns into a grey landscape.

Thousands of residents evacuate after restive volcano spews ash

An erupting volcano in the Philippine capital on Monday spewed lava and broad columns of ash, which grounded hundreds of flights amid an alert for a possible "explosive eruption".&nbsp;

Officials have also warned of a possible "<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51086961">volcanic tsunami</a>", which can be caused by falling debris after an eruption, reported BBC.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-suspends-manila-airport-flights-as-volcano-spews-ash-273803">Philippines suspends Manila airport flights as volcano spews ash</a>

Homes and streets in the region surrounding the Taal volcano, which blasted on Sunday along with a series of earthquakes, were coated in fine grit and nearly 10,000 people had sought refuge in evacuation centres.

<img alt="Philippine volcano" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48cd505b-d106-47d9-863c-e331e3f56cd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1NN8S3.jpg" />

(A resident uses a shovel to clear mud and ash spewed by Taal volcano at a development in Tanauan town,&nbsp;Philippine | Photo Credit: AFP)&nbsp;

"You could not sleep anymore, because every time you closed your eyes the house would shake," restaurant owner Lia Monteverde said.&nbsp;

"All of us didn't sleep at all. We just prepared to leave."&nbsp;

<img alt="Philippine volcano" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8e864008-b669-4557-8eca-8783c2c4962d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hL92U9n6.jpg" />

(Visuals of Taal volcano | Photo Credit: AFP)

Taal, which is in the south of Manila, is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. &nbsp;

Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common in the country because of its position in Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide deep below the Earth's surface.&nbsp;

As a precautionary step, schools, government offices around the area and Philippine Stock Exchange were closed on Monday.&nbsp;

Aviation officials said that they are making efforts to resume flights at Manila's main international airport, after they were shut down due to the threat of volcanic ash affecting planes. &nbsp;

The eruption started with an explosion of superheated steam and rock, but by early Monday "fountains" of lava had been detected on Taal, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Second-highest level of alert was raised on Sunday, saying an "explosive eruption" could happen in "hours to days".

(with AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

An erupting volcano in the Philippine capital on Monday spewed lava and broad columns of ash, which grounded hundreds of flights amid an alert for a possible "explosive eruption".

An erupting volcano in the Philippine capital on Monday spewed lava and broad columns of ash, which grounded hundreds of flights amid an alert for a possible "explosive eruption". Officials have also warned of a possible "volcanic tsunami", which can be caused by falling debris after an eruption, reported BBC. Also read: Philippines suspends Manila airport flights as volcano spews ash Homes and streets in the region surrounding the Taal volcano, which blasted on Sunday along with a series of earthquakes, were coated in fine grit and nearly 10,000 people had sought refuge in evacuation centres. (A resident uses a shovel to clear mud and ash spewed by Taal volcano at a development in Tanauan town, Philippine | Photo Credit: AFP) "You could not sleep anymore, because every time you closed your eyes the house would shake," restaurant owner Lia Monteverde said. "All of us didn't sleep at all. We just prepared to leave." (Visuals of Taal volcano | Photo Credit: AFP) Taal, which is in the south of Manila, is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common in the country because of its position in Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide deep below the Earth's surface. As a precautionary step, schools, government offices around the area and Philippine Stock Exchange were closed on Monday. Aviation officials said that they are making efforts to resume flights at Manila's main international airport, after they were shut down due to the threat of volcanic ash affecting planes. The eruption started with an explosion of superheated steam and rock, but by early Monday "fountains" of lava had been detected on Taal, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. Second-highest level of alert was raised on Sunday, saying an "explosive eruption" could happen in "hours to days". (with AFP inputs)

Philippines: Officials warn of tsunami as volcano spews ash, lava

New Zealand police said on Tuesday they were ending the search for the bodies of two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/probes-into-new-zealand-volcano-tragedy-to-take-months-and-carry-criminal-penalties-268452">people still missing</a> following the deadly eruption of a volcano earlier this month.

"The search for the two missing victims of the Whakaari/<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/white-island-volcano-unexpectedly-erupts-in-new-zealand-267230">White Island eruption</a> has been suspended," Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Andy McGregor said in a statement.

"The families of the two missing people have been informed of this decision. Police remain ready to respond if new information comes to light," he added.

Those still missing, presumed dead, are Winona Langford, a 17-year-old Australian tourist, and Hayden Marshall-Inman, a 40-year-old New Zealand tour guide. Their bodies are thought to have been swept into the ocean around the uninhabited volcanic island.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/two-still-missing-after-15-deaths-from-white-islands-volcano-eruption-268399/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Australian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-scott-morrison-hits-out-at-reckless-calls-to-cut-coal-industry-269654">Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> told reporters he had not been updated on the situation due to being focussed on severe bushfires at home but said the New Zealand government had done all it could to recover the bodies.

"I have no doubt that they are exhausting every, every channel available to them to recover those remains," Morrison said.

"I can only say thank you, kia ora to New Zealand, and for everything that they've done to assist the Australians and Australian families," he said using a Māori expression of thanks.

The majority of the victims the powerful eruption of White Island, also known by its Māori name of Whakaari, were Australian citizens or permanent residents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescue-operation-hampered-in-volcano-hit-new-zealand-island-267755">Police</a> said on Monday one of those injured during the eruption had died in an Auckland hospital on the weekend, bringing the official <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-volcano-eruption-thirteen-dead-and-eight-missing-267321">death toll</a> to 17.

There has been criticism that tourists were allowed on the island, a popular destination for day-trippers, given the risks of an active volcano. That has led to speculation the tragedy could lead to major changes for New Zealand's thrillseeker tourism industry.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said official inquiries by coroners and work safety regulators into the eruption could take up to a year, and will carry potential criminal penalties of up to five years in jail.

New Zealand police said on Tuesday they were ending the search for the bodies of two people still missing following the deadly eruption of a volcano earlier this month.

New Zealand police said on Tuesday they were ending the search for the bodies of two people still missing following the deadly eruption of a volcano earlier this month. "The search for the two missing victims of the Whakaari/White Island eruption has been suspended," Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Andy McGregor said in a statement. "The families of the two missing people have been informed of this decision. Police remain ready to respond if new information comes to light," he added. Those still missing, presumed dead, are Winona Langford, a 17-year-old Australian tourist, and Hayden Marshall-Inman, a 40-year-old New Zealand tour guide. Their bodies are thought to have been swept into the ocean around the uninhabited volcanic island. × Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters he had not been updated on the situation due to being focussed on severe bushfires at home but said the New Zealand government had done all it could to recover the bodies. "I have no doubt that they are exhausting every, every channel available to them to recover those remains," Morrison said. "I can only say thank you, kia ora to New Zealand, and for everything that they've done to assist the Australians and Australian families," he said using a Māori expression of thanks. The majority of the victims the powerful eruption of White Island, also known by its Māori name of Whakaari, were Australian citizens or permanent residents. Police said on Monday one of those injured during the eruption had died in an Auckland hospital on the weekend, bringing the official death toll to 17. There has been criticism that tourists were allowed on the island, a popular destination for day-trippers, given the risks of an active volcano. That has led to speculation the tragedy could lead to major changes for New Zealand's thrillseeker tourism industry. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said official inquiries by coroners and work safety regulators into the eruption could take up to a year, and will carry potential criminal penalties of up to five years in jail.

New Zealand police suspends search for two missing in volcanic eruption

The New Zealand Police confirmed 15 deaths from the volcano eruption in New Zealand's White Island on Sunday, and said two are still missing.

Two still missing after 15 deaths from White Island's volcano eruption

The death toll from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-divers-search-contaminated-waters-for-volcano-victims-268253">New Zealand's White Island volcano eruption</a> rose to 18 Sunday, including two people whose bodies have not been recovered, police said.

A land search early Sunday failed to find any sign of the missing pair and divers returned to the sea in the afternoon amid increasing speculation both could be in the water.

Deputy police commissioner Mike Clement said there was "every chance" the bodies had been washed into the sea from the stream where they were last seen Monday.

He added that searchers were "satisfied that the area we searched near the jetty is clear of the bodies".

"The rescue teams are frustrated. We understand completely how frustrating it is for loved ones who want the bodies back," Clement said.

Forty-seven people were on the island -- a popular tourist attraction -- when the explosion happened.

The death toll now stands at 18 after an Australian victim who had been repatriated to Sydney died in hospital almost a week after the deadly eruption.

Another 26 survivors remain in New Zealand and Australian hospitals, of which at least 18 are listed as "critical" and fighting for their lives after the eruption on the desolate island, which is the country's most active volcano.

The family of the latest victim have requested his name and age not be released.

Police on Sunday named seven victims who have been officially identified including New Zealand tour guide Tipene James Te Rangi Ataahua Maangi, 24.

Four were Australians -- Zoe Ella Hosking, 15, her stepfather Gavin Brian Dallow, 53, 51-year-old Anthony James Langford and Karla Michelle Mathews, 32 -- along with Matthew Robert Hollander, 13 and Berend Lawrence Hollander, 16, who were US citizens with Australian permanent residency.

Clement said although the land and sea searches had so far been unsuccessful in finding the remaining bodies, police had not given up hope.

"There will come a time when we've done everything we can do, when we've done everything that's sensible but we're not there yet... we don't give up easily," he said.

Scientists monitoring White Island said there had been no further significant activity since last Monday's eruption but the risk remained with the volcano alert at Level Two, which indicates "moderate to heightened unrest with potential for eruption hazards".

A glow was visible from the vent area overnight "which confirms there is a high heat flow present," said Geoff Kilgour, a volcanologist with GNS Science, which monitors seismic and volcanic activity in New Zealand.

"This has been confirmed today by an aerial observation this morning that noted an active crater is emitting volcanic gas at a high rate and very high temperature" above 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit).

The disaster has raised questions about why tourists were allowed on a volcano where experts had recently raised threat levels.

The death toll from New Zealand's White Island volcano eruption rose to 18 Sunday, including two people whose bodies have not been recovered, police said. A land search early Sunday failed to find any sign of the missing pair and divers returned to the sea in the afternoon amid increasing speculation both could be in the water.

The death toll from New Zealand's White Island volcano eruption rose to 18 Sunday, including two people whose bodies have not been recovered, police said. A land search early Sunday failed to find any sign of the missing pair and divers returned to the sea in the afternoon amid increasing speculation both could be in the water. Deputy police commissioner Mike Clement said there was "every chance" the bodies had been washed into the sea from the stream where they were last seen Monday. He added that searchers were "satisfied that the area we searched near the jetty is clear of the bodies". "The rescue teams are frustrated. We understand completely how frustrating it is for loved ones who want the bodies back," Clement said. Forty-seven people were on the island -- a popular tourist attraction -- when the explosion happened. The death toll now stands at 18 after an Australian victim who had been repatriated to Sydney died in hospital almost a week after the deadly eruption. Another 26 survivors remain in New Zealand and Australian hospitals, of which at least 18 are listed as "critical" and fighting for their lives after the eruption on the desolate island, which is the country's most active volcano. The family of the latest victim have requested his name and age not be released. Police on Sunday named seven victims who have been officially identified including New Zealand tour guide Tipene James Te Rangi Ataahua Maangi, 24. Four were Australians -- Zoe Ella Hosking, 15, her stepfather Gavin Brian Dallow, 53, 51-year-old Anthony James Langford and Karla Michelle Mathews, 32 -- along with Matthew Robert Hollander, 13 and Berend Lawrence Hollander, 16, who were US citizens with Australian permanent residency. Clement said although the land and sea searches had so far been unsuccessful in finding the remaining bodies, police had not given up hope. "There will come a time when we've done everything we can do, when we've done everything that's sensible but we're not there yet... we don't give up easily," he said. Scientists monitoring White Island said there had been no further significant activity since last Monday's eruption but the risk remained with the volcano alert at Level Two, which indicates "moderate to heightened unrest with potential for eruption hazards". A glow was visible from the vent area overnight "which confirms there is a high heat flow present," said Geoff Kilgour, a volcanologist with GNS Science, which monitors seismic and volcanic activity in New Zealand. "This has been confirmed today by an aerial observation this morning that noted an active crater is emitting volcanic gas at a high rate and very high temperature" above 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). The disaster has raised questions about why tourists were allowed on a volcano where experts had recently raised threat levels.

New Zealand eruption death toll rises to 18

Earlier this week at least six people were killed and seven others who are still missing are feared to be dead. Thirty more people have been severely injured in the White Island volcano in Sweden. In latest information more volcanic eruptions are predicted in the coming days.

White island volcano spews more lava, police to access island today

The eruption has reportedly killed 13 people and seriously injured around 30 more.

New Zealand: Volcano eruption on white island

Thirteen people have been killed and eight people are missing and presumed dead after volcanic eruption covered a small New Zealand island popular with tourists in hot ash and steam.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/white-island-volcano-unexpectedly-erupts-in-new-zealand-267230">In pictures: When White Island volcano unexpectedly erupted in New Zealand</a>

Rescuers have been unable to access the island, which is covered in grey ash.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/volcano-erupts-in-new-zealand-267292/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The volcano vent continues to emit steam and New Zealand's geoscience agency has warned on another eruption in the coming 24 hours, with 50-50 chances.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed "unfathomable grief" after the volcanic eruption have claimed 13 lives.

Ardern confirmed five fatalities and said another eight people were still missing after Monday's tragedy at White Island.

There was little hope of finding the missing alive, after overnight aerial reconnaissance flights found no signs of life.

"The focus this morning is on recovery and ensuring police can do that safely," she told a press conference.

Among those on the island during the cataclysm were tourists from Australia, the United States, Britain, China and Malaysia, as well as their New Zealand guides.

"To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your unfathomable grief and your sorrow," Ardern said.

"Your loved ones stood alongside Kiwis who were hosting you here and we grieve with you."

Ardern singled out "our Australian family" for sympathy, while her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison warned his compatriots to brace for "a very hard day".

Morrison said there were fears that three of the five dead were Australian, and another eight citizens were unaccounted for. 
He described the tragedy as a "time of great innocence and joy interrupted by the horror of that eruption".

"This is a very, very hard day for a lot of Australian families whose loved ones have been caught up in this terrible, tragedy," he told reporters in Sydney.

A total of 31 people — including 13 Australians — were in hospital with various injuries, some listed as critical with serious burns.

White Island Tours, a trip operator, confirmed that two of its guides were unaccounted for, while Britain's high commissioner in Wellington said two female citizens were hospitalised.

Concerns about further eruptions, poisonous gases and choking ash stalled efforts to recover bodies.

"We will only go to the island when it is safe to do so for our people," police spokesman Bruce Bird said.

He said a helicopter scoured the area for 45 minutes, checking if anyone was still alive -- without success.

(With inputs from AFP)

Thirteen people have been killed and eight people are missing and presumed dead after volcanic eruption covered a small New Zealand island popular with tourists in hot ash and steam.

Thirteen people have been killed and eight people are missing and presumed dead after volcanic eruption covered a small New Zealand island popular with tourists in hot ash and steam. In pictures: When White Island volcano unexpectedly erupted in New Zealand Rescuers have been unable to access the island, which is covered in grey ash. Watch: The volcano vent continues to emit steam and New Zealand's geoscience agency has warned on another eruption in the coming 24 hours, with 50-50 chances. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed "unfathomable grief" after the volcanic eruption have claimed 13 lives. Ardern confirmed five fatalities and said another eight people were still missing after Monday's tragedy at White Island. There was little hope of finding the missing alive, after overnight aerial reconnaissance flights found no signs of life. "The focus this morning is on recovery and ensuring police can do that safely," she told a press conference. Among those on the island during the cataclysm were tourists from Australia, the United States, Britain, China and Malaysia, as well as their New Zealand guides. "To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your unfathomable grief and your sorrow," Ardern said. "Your loved ones stood alongside Kiwis who were hosting you here and we grieve with you." Ardern singled out "our Australian family" for sympathy, while her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison warned his compatriots to brace for "a very hard day". Morrison said there were fears that three of the five dead were Australian, and another eight citizens were unaccounted for. He described the tragedy as a "time of great innocence and joy interrupted by the horror of that eruption". "This is a very, very hard day for a lot of Australian families whose loved ones have been caught up in this terrible, tragedy," he told reporters in Sydney. A total of 31 people — including 13 Australians — were in hospital with various injuries, some listed as critical with serious burns. White Island Tours, a trip operator, confirmed that two of its guides were unaccounted for, while Britain's high commissioner in Wellington said two female citizens were hospitalised. Concerns about further eruptions, poisonous gases and choking ash stalled efforts to recover bodies. "We will only go to the island when it is safe to do so for our people," police spokesman Bruce Bird said. He said a helicopter scoured the area for 45 minutes, checking if anyone was still alive -- without success. (With inputs from AFP)

New Zealand volcano eruption: Thirteen dead and eight missing

Fearing the&nbsp;volcano&nbsp;could erupt again,&nbsp;search&nbsp;parties&nbsp;were unable to set foot on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/white-island-volcano-unexpectedly-erupts-in-new-zealand-267230">New&nbsp;Zealand's&nbsp;White&nbsp;Island</a>&nbsp;for eight people still missing on Tuesday, as police raised the death toll to six from the eruption a day earlier.

Police doubted whether any more survivors would be found. They said the latest victim died in hospital, having been among more than 30 people injured in the eruption on the uninhabited&nbsp;island, a popular sightseeing excursion for tourists.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-utterly-disagrees-with-trump-tweets-on-congresswomen-236470">Jacinda Ardern</a> said reconnaissance flights showed no signs of life on the ash-covered&nbsp;island, as eyewitnesses detailed the horrific burns suffered by those caught up in Monday's eruption.

"The scale of this tragedy is devastating," Ardern said in parliament. "To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your grief and sorrow and we are devastated."

Police said 47 people were on<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-white-island-erupted-and-why-there-was-no-warning-267425">&nbsp;White&nbsp;Island</a>&nbsp;at the time of the eruption.

Twenty-four came from Australia, nine from the United States, five from&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand, four from Germany, two from China and Britain and one from Malaysia.

"I would strongly suggest that there is no one that has survived on the&nbsp;island," police Deputy Commissioner John Tims said of the eight people still missing.

Of the 31 injured, at least 27 suffered greater than 71 per cent&nbsp;body surface burns, and some could succumb to their wounds, said Peter Watson, the government's chief medical&nbsp;officer.

Burns units across the South Pacific nation of 4.5 million are full to capacity, he added.

Police said an investigation into the deaths on&nbsp;White&nbsp;Island&nbsp;had been launched but clarified it was not a criminal investigation.

New&nbsp;Zealand's&nbsp;geological hazards agency GeoNet raised the alert level for the&nbsp;volcano&nbsp;in November because of an increase in volcanic activity. The&nbsp;volcano's last fatal eruption was in 1914 when it killed 12 sulfur miners.

Yet, daily tours bring more than 10,000 visitors to the privately owned&nbsp;island&nbsp;every year, marketed as "the world's most accessible active marine&nbsp;volcano".

"I have to say that I'm very surprised to hear there were visitors there today because scientists seem to have been well aware that&nbsp;White&nbsp;Island&nbsp;was entering a phase of heightened activity," said Drexel University&nbsp;volcanologist Loÿc Vanderkluysen.

"I've been to&nbsp;White&nbsp;Island&nbsp;before, but I don't think I would have been comfortable being there today."

A crater rim camera owned and operated by GeoNet showed one group of people walking away from the rim inside the crater just a minute before the explosion.

"It's now clear that there were two groups on the&nbsp;island&nbsp;- those who were able to be evacuated and those who were close to the eruption," Ardern said at a morning&nbsp;news conference in Whakatane, a town on the mainland's east coast, about 50 km (30 miles) from&nbsp;White&nbsp;Island.

Later, in parliament, she paid tribute to the pilots of four helicopters that landed on&nbsp;White&nbsp;Island&nbsp;in the aftermath of the eruption.

"In their immediate efforts to get people&nbsp;off&nbsp;the&nbsp;island, those pilots made an incredibly brave decision under extremely dangerous circumstances," Ardern said.

Since then, rescuers have been unable to access the&nbsp;island, which is covered in grey ash. GNS Science,&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's&nbsp;geoscience agency, warned there was a 50/50 chance of another eruption in the coming 24 hours, as the&nbsp;volcano&nbsp;vent continued to emit "steam and mud jetting".

The Buttle family have owned the&nbsp;island&nbsp;for over 80 years, and a spokesman said they were devastated by the tragic event.

“We wish to thank everyone involved in the rescue effort, including the first responders, medical personnel and the locals who helped evacuate people from the&nbsp;island," Peter Buttle said. "Their efforts have been both courageous and extraordinary.

Royal Caribbean confirmed several passengers on its 16-deck cruise liner, Ovation of the Seas, were on a day trip to the&nbsp;island&nbsp;but did not provide further information.

Janet Urey, 61, a nurse from Richmond, Virginia, said her son Matthew, 36, and his wife, Janet, 32, were cruise passengers injured in the eruption while on their honeymoon.

"The phone rang at midnight. Then I heard a voicemail come on. It was my son. He said, 'Mom this is not a joke. A&nbsp;volcano&nbsp;erupted while we were on the&nbsp;island. We're at the hospital with severe burns.'"

Urey said she was frustrated by the lack of information from the cruise ship he was on and from authorities.

"I have not heard a word from the cruise people," she said.

A&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand man, Geoff&nbsp;Hopkins, whose tour group was just leaving the&nbsp;island&nbsp;at the time of the eruption, said he helped pull critically injured survivors into a boat.

Hopkins, 50, who was given the tour as a birthday gift, said many of the survivors had run into the sea to escape the eruption.

"People were in shorts and T-shirts so there was a lot of exposed skin that was massively burnt," he told the NZ Herald&nbsp;newspaper.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said three Australians were feared to be among the confirmed fatalities, with 13 among the injured.

A website managed by the&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand Red Cross listed 17 Australians as missing. The Family Links website is a forum for people to register missing persons, who can respond to confirm they are safe. A person who has been found but is in the hospital, for instance, might still be marked "missing" on the list.

Malaysia's high commission in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand said one Malaysian was among the dead, while Britain's high commissioner to&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand confirmed two British women were among the injured.

Russell Clark, an intensive care paramedic with a helicopter team, said the early scenes were overwhelming.

"Everything was just blanketed in ash," he told Reuters. "It was quite an overwhelming feeling."

'Whakaari', as it is known in the Maori language, is&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's most active cone&nbsp;volcano, built up by continuous volcanic activity over the past 150,000 years, according to GeoNet.

Fearing the volcano could erupt again, search parties were unable to set foot on New Zealand's White Island for eight people still missing on Tuesday, as police raised the death toll to six from the eruption a day earlier.

Fearing the volcano could erupt again, search parties were unable to set foot on New Zealand's White Island for eight people still missing on Tuesday, as police raised the death toll to six from the eruption a day earlier. Police doubted whether any more survivors would be found. They said the latest victim died in hospital, having been among more than 30 people injured in the eruption on the uninhabited island, a popular sightseeing excursion for tourists. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said reconnaissance flights showed no signs of life on the ash-covered island, as eyewitnesses detailed the horrific burns suffered by those caught up in Monday's eruption. "The scale of this tragedy is devastating," Ardern said in parliament. "To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your grief and sorrow and we are devastated." Police said 47 people were on White Island at the time of the eruption. Twenty-four came from Australia, nine from the United States, five from New Zealand, four from Germany, two from China and Britain and one from Malaysia. "I would strongly suggest that there is no one that has survived on the island," police Deputy Commissioner John Tims said of the eight people still missing. Of the 31 injured, at least 27 suffered greater than 71 per cent body surface burns, and some could succumb to their wounds, said Peter Watson, the government's chief medical officer. Burns units across the South Pacific nation of 4.5 million are full to capacity, he added. Police said an investigation into the deaths on White Island had been launched but clarified it was not a criminal investigation. New Zealand's geological hazards agency GeoNet raised the alert level for the volcano in November because of an increase in volcanic activity. The volcano's last fatal eruption was in 1914 when it killed 12 sulfur miners. Yet, daily tours bring more than 10,000 visitors to the privately owned island every year, marketed as "the world's most accessible active marine volcano". "I have to say that I'm very surprised to hear there were visitors there today because scientists seem to have been well aware that White Island was entering a phase of heightened activity," said Drexel University volcanologist Loÿc Vanderkluysen. "I've been to White Island before, but I don't think I would have been comfortable being there today." A crater rim camera owned and operated by GeoNet showed one group of people walking away from the rim inside the crater just a minute before the explosion. "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 said at a morning news conference in Whakatane, a town on the mainland's east coast, about 50 km (30 miles) from White Island. Later, in parliament, she paid tribute to the pilots of four helicopters that landed on White Island in the aftermath of the eruption. "In their immediate efforts to get people off the island, those pilots made an incredibly brave decision under extremely dangerous circumstances," Ardern said. Since then, rescuers have been unable to access the island, which is covered in grey ash. GNS Science, New Zealand's geoscience agency, warned there was a 50/50 chance of another eruption in the coming 24 hours, as the volcano vent continued to emit "steam and mud jetting". The Buttle family have owned the island for over 80 years, and a spokesman said they were devastated by the tragic event. “We wish to thank everyone involved in the rescue effort, including the first responders, medical personnel and the locals who helped evacuate people from the island," Peter Buttle said. "Their efforts have been both courageous and extraordinary. Royal Caribbean confirmed several passengers on its 16-deck cruise liner, Ovation of the Seas, were on a day trip to the island but did not provide further information. Janet Urey, 61, a nurse from Richmond, Virginia, said her son Matthew, 36, and his wife, Janet, 32, were cruise passengers injured in the eruption while on their honeymoon. "The phone rang at midnight. Then I heard a voicemail come on. It was my son. He said, 'Mom this is not a joke. A volcano erupted while we were on the island. We're at the hospital with severe burns.'" Urey said she was frustrated by the lack of information from the cruise ship he was on and from authorities. "I have not heard a word from the cruise people," she said. A New Zealand man, Geoff Hopkins, whose tour group was just leaving the island at the time of the eruption, said he helped pull critically injured survivors into a boat. Hopkins, 50, who was given the tour as a birthday gift, said many of the survivors had run into the sea to escape the eruption. "People were in shorts and T-shirts so there was a lot of exposed skin that was massively burnt," he told the NZ Herald newspaper. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said three Australians were feared to be among the confirmed fatalities, with 13 among the injured. A website managed by the New Zealand Red Cross listed 17 Australians as missing. The Family Links website is a forum for people to register missing persons, who can respond to confirm they are safe. A person who has been found but is in the hospital, for instance, might still be marked "missing" on the list. Malaysia's high commission in New Zealand said one Malaysian was among the dead, while Britain's high commissioner to New Zealand confirmed two British women were among the injured. Russell Clark, an intensive care paramedic with a helicopter team, said the early scenes were overwhelming. "Everything was just blanketed in ash," he told Reuters. "It was quite an overwhelming feeling." 'Whakaari', as it is known in the Maori language, is New Zealand's most active cone volcano, built up by continuous volcanic activity over the past 150,000 years, according to GeoNet.

Spitting volcano keeps search parties off New Zealand island

Most destructive volcanic flare-ups in the last 25 years

New Zeland north island volcano erupted at least 13 people killed and 30 injured.

Wion Speed News: New Zeland Volcano erupted

volcano

Volcano, News on Volcano, stories on Volcano, articles on Volcano, Volcano stories at Wion, Volcano news, Volcano latest news