New Zealand volcano LIVE: 'Chernobyl-like' eruption destroys White Island – 14 feared dead

White Island in New Zealand was rocked by a volcanic eruption on Monday, spewing ash and steam into the air. Now details are emerging of the decimation the island faces, as well as the extensive injuries of the survivors.

At around 2pm local time (1am GMT) White Island erupted.

There were 47 people on the island at the time of the eruption, from seven countries.

At least 30 of those are believed to have been passengers from the Royal Caribbean cruise liner Ovation of the Seas.

There have been six confirmed deaths, but the number may rise — those in hospital are facing critical injuries.

Read More: New Zealand volcano eruption latest: Chance of another EXPLOSION

In total eight people remain missing, and authorities fear these too are dead – pushing the total to 14.

Mark Rakos said he was growing increasingly concerned for the safety of his father Karl Rakos, 57, and stepmother Deb Rakos, 50, from Darlington in County Durham.

The 35-year-old told PA the pair are on a cruise around New Zealand but he had not heard from them since Sunday, despite repeated attempts to make contact.

He said: “The last time I spoke to my dad he was in Dunedin, that was a WhatsApp message on Sunday, but I’ve not heard from him since.

Nearly all of those injured have suffered extensive burns to their bodies and lungs.

Media reports said plastic surgeons had been called in from several private practices to help hospitals treat the many people severely burnt in the eruption.

Ministry of Health spokesman Pete Watson said on Tuesday that every burns unit in New Zealand is at full capacity as medical staff treat those with severe injuries from the volcanic ash and gas, Ministry of Health spokesman Pete Watson said Tuesday.

Out of the 31 people still in hospital, 27 had burns to at least 30 percent of their bodies and many also have inhalation burns which need airway support.

A paramedic who travelled to White Island to rescue tourists said the scene was like something out of “the Chernobyl mini-series”.

Russell Clark told TVNZ: “Everything was blanketed in ash.”

Survivors described how tourists were forced to run into the sea to escape the clouds of thick black ash and scalding vapour.

Now questions are arising over the circumstances around the eruption.

Monash University volcanologist Raymond Cas, who has visited the volcano himself said: “White Island has been a disaster waiting to happen for many years.

“I have always felt that it was too dangerous to allow the daily tour groups that visit the uninhabited island volcano by boat and helicopter.”

Police and rescue services are working to identify victims and offer relief for those affected.

New Zealand police confirmed officers are investigating the incident on behalf of the coroner but said it was too early to speculate on any potential criminal activity.

Conditions on the island remain too dangerous for rescue workers to attend on Tuesday, with a 50 percent chance of another small eruption, but officials said flyovers had revealed no signs of life.

The dead are thought to be buried beneath piles of ash, with most of the 47 people on the island at the time of the eruption believed to be from Australia.

White Island, also known by the Maori name Whakaari, is the tip of an undersea volcano 30 miles off the coast.

Scientists had noted an increase in volcanic activity in recent weeks, leading to questions as to why tourists were still being allowed on the island.

source: express.co.uk