New Zealand White Island volcano eruption in photos

The New Zealand White Island volcano tragedy has taken an emotional toll on cruise passengers and Kiwis, with hundreds leaving flowers and holding onto each other for hope. SEE THE PHOTOS

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Just over 24 hours since New Zealand’s Whakaari volcano erupted and smoke billowed out of White Island, dust has settled and the devastation left behind is significant.

A helicopter with melted blades and rubble are among the sights now seen at the once popular tourist destination, which attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year.

Five people are confirmed dead, with the death toll continuing to rise – another eight are missing and presumed dead, and it is feared not all of the 31 injured will survive their injuries.

New Zealand’s burns facilities are so full, some survivors are being flown to Australia for treatment.

Commenting on the severity of the horrific event, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday 11 Australians were still unnaccounted for and 13 had been hospitalised.

Three Australians are suspected to be among the five confirmed dead, he said.

Australians were the largest group of nationalities exploring White Island when it erupted on Monday.

Witnesses captured the shocking moment it erupted, which has left the island “unstable” and too dangerous for emergency responders to approach.

The island sits about 50 kilometres offshore from mainland New Zealand.

AFTER THE ERUPTION

The AS350 helicopter which landed on White Island after the volcano erupted. Picture: Instagram/@the_helicopter_page

The crew of the Ovation of the Seas watch on during the Karakia Whakatau Mauri blessing. Picture: Brett Phibbs

People gather at the entrance to the Port of Tauranga where the Ovation of the Seas is berthed in Tauranga, New Zealand. Picture: David Rowland

The crew of the Ovation of the Seas hongi Ngtai Te Rangi Iwi during the Karakia Whakatau Mauri blessing at the Tauranga Port. Picture: Brett Phibbs

The volcanic explosion on White Island. Picture: Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust View

Women hugging and remembering those affected and killed by the White Island event. Picture: Brett Phibbs

Messages left behind, along with flowers, for those affected and killed by White Island’s volcano eruption. Picture: Brett Phibbs

People bow their heads in silence, remembering those affected and killed by White Island’s volcano eruption. Picture: Brett Phibbs

Passengers on the Ovation of the Seas watch on during the Karakia Whakatau Mauri event. Picture: Brett Phibbs

Flowers left behind for those affected and killed by the White Island volcano eruption. Picture: John Boren/Getty

The Maori blessing on the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship for those affected by the White Island volcano eruption. Picture: Charles Miranda

Flowers left behind at the port in Tauranga, with the Ovation of the Seas in the background. Picture: Charles Miranda

A man at the gate to Whakatane Wharf as preparations are made to attempt a rescue of the remaining people on White Island. Picture: NZ Herald

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern meeting first responders of the White Island volcanic eruption. Picture: NZ Herald

People grieving and comforting each other outside the Te Manuka Tutahi Marae. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty

A woman watching the police cordon near the Whakatane wharf, a day after the eruption of White Island. Picture: Brett Phibbs

SEE HOW THE EXPLOSION UNFOLDED

Cruise ship passengers watching the eruption on White Island. Picture: @sch/Michael Schade on Twitter

Smoke engulfing the area when the volcano erupted. Picture: @sch/Michael Schade on Twitter

A picture from Crater Rim at 2:10pm local time where people can be seen inside the crater just before the eruption. Picture: GEONET

Smoke and ash rising from a volcano on White Island in Whakatane, New Zealand. Picture: Getty

The scene from a rescue chopper as emergency crews arrived on White Island. Picture: Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

Rescuers arrive on White Island after the volcano eruption. Picture: Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

Smoke coming from White Island. Picture: @sch/Michael Schade on Twitter

First responders to the White Island incident. Picture: @sch/Michael Schade on Twitter

First responders to the White Island incident bring back people affected. Picture: @sch/Michael Schade on Twitter

The deadly volcano on White Island. Picture: Getty

A screen grab obtained of New Zealand volcano Whakaari, or White Island, located in the Bay of Plenty, which has erupted. Picture: AAP

White Island active volcano from West Rim at 2:20pm local time. Picture: GEONET

The aftermath of the White Island volcano eruption. Picture: Michael Schade

White Island Volcano eruption in New Zealand. Picture: @sch/Michael Schade on Twitter

First responders to White Island helping people get away from the area. Picture: Michael Schade

New Zealand's White Island spewing steam and ash. Picture: AFP

The White Island eruption. Picture: @MundoEConflicto on Twitter

A helicopter left behind after the New Zealand White Island volcano eruption Picture: Michael Schade

The White Island volcano. Picture: Michael Schade

A person covered in ash arrives at Whakatane Airfield from the White Island Island volcanic explosion. Picture: Alan Gibson, NZ Herald

The White Island volcano erupting for first time since 2001. Picture: Michael Schade

The White Island volcano erupting. Picture: @allessandrokauffmann/Allessandro Kauffmann on Instagram

White Island’s volcano erupting. Picture: Michael Schade

White Island Volcano eruption in New Zealand – Brazilians Alessandro Kauffmann and Aline Moura capture the explosion via Instagram stories. Picture: @allessandrokauffmann/Instagram

Another close up of White Island’s volcano erupting. Picture: Michael Schade

Originally published as New Zealand White Island volcano eruption in photos