New Zealand's White Island a 'no fly zone' after eruption kills at least five
A "no fly zone" has been put in place on New Zealand's White Island...
after a volcano suddenly erupted, killing at least five people and injuring up to 20.
Deputy Police Commissioner John Tims provided an update at a news conference.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATIONAL OPERATION COMMANDER AND DEPUTY POLICE COMMISSIONER, JOHN TIMS, SAYING:
"It is a no-fly zone at the island at the moment and we will continue to update you on the events as they unfold. But again can I just say, our thoughts are absolutely with the friends and family of those that are injured and those that have died."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATIONAL OPERATION COMMANDER AND DEPUTY POLICE COMMISSIONER, JOHN TIMS, SAYING:
"Due to the current risk, emergency services are unable to access the island. And what I mean by that, we have taken advice from GeoNet and they have assisted us with making a risk assessment that the island is unstable. There are possibilities of further eruptions but actually the physical environment is unsafe for us to return to the island."
About 50 people were feared to have been nearby - New Zealanders as well as foreigners,
when the ash plume shot 12,000 feet into the air.
Several were seen near the rim of the crater just minutes before the eruption.
