From our recent spate of natural disasters to the challenges posed by Covid-19, we’re reminded that building resilience should be about avoiding or limiting damage in the first place, writes Richard Smith, Director, Resilience to Nature’s Challenges May 18 marked the 40th anniversary of the volcanic eruption of Mount Saint Helens in Washington, USA. A … Read more
Twenty-four hours after the eruption on Whakaari/White Island, here’s what we know about the ongoing situation. How many people have died? Currently, the official death toll stands at five, but there are a further eight people missing, who are presumed to have died in the eruption. 31 people remain in hospital and three have been … Read more
Welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Death toll from Whakaari eruption likely to rise, cabinet agrees Auckland port must move, and expensive Christchurch stadium details released. UPDATE – 7.07am: More information on the number of people on the island at the time of the eruption has been released. 47 people were there at the … Read more
We don’t normally see these eruptions coming, no matter how much we would like to. Many systems are already ‘primed’ for such events, but the triggers are poorly understood, writes Shane Cronin of the University of Auckland. As of Monday night five people have been confirmed dead, 18 had been rescued and injured, some seriously, … Read more
Five people are dead, a number unaccounted for and up to 20 injured, some critically, after a volcano erupted in the Bay of Plenty this afternoon. Update 9.16pm: Police have confirmed that five people are dead following this afternoon’s Whakaari/White Island eruption. Deputy commissioner John Tims said it was too early to confirm nationalities but … Read more