At least five people were killed, and eight others are still missing after New Zealand's White Island volcano erupted suddenly on Monday. Thirty-one people are in seven hospitals, and three have been discharged so far, according to the police.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that New Zealanders and tourists from Australia, the United States, Britain, China and Malaysia were among the injured.
An official from the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand said that emergency response has been activated, reported Xinhua. The embassy is working with local police to check if there are any Chinese nationals among the victims, according to the report.
"We will keep close communication with New Zealand's government on this incident," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Monday.
Police believe less than 50 people were on or near the island at the time of the eruption, while it was initially thought there were approximately 100.
Police say it's "too dangerous" for rescue services to go to White Island, as there are likely to be more fatalities.
The eruption began about 2:30 p.m. local time (0130 GMT) on the island, about 50 kilometers from the east coast of North Island, spewing smoke and debris into the air.
"It is very much an evolving situation, and of course, all our thoughts are with those affected," Ardern told the media shortly after the incident.
An emergency rescue operation is underway.
The White Island volcano is among New Zealand's most active volcanoes.
