New eruptions of the Whakaari / White Island volcano in New Zealand are still possible in the next 24 hours, as reported by the National Geological Service of the country.
According to the report, significant volcanic activity is recorded on the island and "further eruptions are still likely to happen."
In the morning [Wednesday, December 11], an increase in activity, strong evaporation and a mud stream were recorded in several craters caused by the eruption on Monday. This indicates that the pressure inside the volcano is still high and the situation remains extremely uncertain. Eruptions are possible in the next 24 hours, says the service.
According to local police, the activity of the volcano prevents emergency and rescue services from starting an operation to search for missing persons.
To date, police have confirmed the deaths of six people. Authorities suggest that those missing during the eruption of the volcano are dead.
Search and rescue teams hoped to begin ground searches today. An emergency response center was opened at Wakatana Airport with members of emergency response teams. However, according to experts who analyzed the data obtained from the drone, "significant physical and chemical hazards» are still present.
According to New Zealand police, 30 injured remain in hospitals. The condition of 25 of them is assessed by doctors as critical, five more in a serious but stable condition.
The eruption on the island in New Zealand began on Monday, December 9. According to the authorities, at the time of the eruption there could be from 50 to 100 people.
The Russian Embassy in New Zealand drew the attention of Russians to precautionary measures. The diplomatic mission published on Monday on its Facebook page recommendations not to leave the premises and to keep windows and doors closed to avoid poisoning with volcanic ash.
Due to the eruption of the volcano on White Island, the embassy strongly recommends that poeple strictly follow the recommendations of the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency and monitor informational reports.
The embassy reminds that it might be dangerous to stay in the radius of the epicenter.
White Island - New Zealand's only active volcanic island, is located in the Bay of Plenty 270 km south of Auckland. The previous eruption was recorded in late 2012 - early 2013.
White Island is one of the most visited active volcanoes in the world and is open for tourist visits.
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