A volcano on the small island of White Island in northern New Zealand has erupted. Images show large columns of smoke rising from the uninhabited island.

Information on how many people were on or around the island was initially uncertain. Local police say there were around 50 people, most of them tourists. Around twenty people are reported to have been injured and at least one person has died.

The eruption occurred at 2:11 p.m. local time, and has been preceded by several weeks of recorded activity. According to the New Zealand research institute GNS Science, a new eruption may occur in the coming days. The volcano has had several eruptions in the past 50 years, most recently in 2016.

White Island, also known as Whakaari, is located less than 30 miles east of the North Island, in the popular tourist destination of the Bay of Plenty. Around 10,000 people visit the volcanic island each year.

Source: TT/Ekot