New Zealand’s Volcano Leaves 5 Killed (Photos)

New Zealand police confirmed that five person were killed while several others are missing in a volcano eruption today, Monday, on New Zealand's White Island.

New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency issued a national warning for a moderate volcanic eruption.

"A moderate volcanic eruption is taking place in White Island, which poses a threat to the immediate vicinity of the volcano," the agency said.

Up to 100 people are believed to have been on the island when the volcano erupted.

[caption id="attachment_95784" align="aligncenter" width="300"] New Zealand’s Volcano[/caption]

Police have expressed fears that the death toll may be much higher, and reported that after the eruption began, 23 people were evacuated from the small island.

Earlier, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a press conference that about 100 people were on or around the island at the moment of the volcano's eruption, some of them are missing, noting that many could be tourists.