New Zealand's Mount White volcano erupting on Monday. (Michael Schade via Twitter)
There are fears for Australians involved in the Mount White volcano eruption in New Zealand.
A page set up by the New Zealand Red Cross for families to register missing love ones in the incident had 25 Australians listed on Monday night, while ABC News and The Australian reported that 24 Australians were on island at the time of the eruption.
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the government was seeking more information.
Up to 50 tourists are believed to have been on White Island, also known as Whakaari, in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty when the volcano began erupting on Monday, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
So far, five people are know to have been killed in the incident with many more injured. New Zealand police say no survivors remain on the island following an emergency evacuation being carried out.
“Police believe that anyone who could have been taken from the island alive was rescued at the time of the evacuation,” they said in a statement on Monday night.
The Australian government’s Smart Traveller service has set up a hotline for families unable to contact loved ones. The Consular Emergency Centre can be reached on 1300 555 135, or on +61 2 6261 3305 from outside of Australia.