A volcanologist has described what the scenes would have been like on White Island following Monday's fatal eruption.
Five people are confirmed dead following Monday's eruption, while eight are still missing. Thirty-one remain in hospital - the majority of those have critical injuries and the death toll is likely to rise.
Auckland University professor Shane Cronin says an eruption of the size witnessed on Monday could easily throw out rocks the size of basketballs.
"During those eruptions is horrendous," he told The AM Show. "You can't see anything. You've got rocks falling around you and it's an extremely scary situation."
Cronin said after an eruption, large volcanic bombs hit the ground and shatter and the heat can be intense.
"If the eruption has gone down and decompressed further into the vent, and it's attacked the top part of the magma there, well then you could easily get up to 850C magma."
Cronin told The AM Show there is unrest on the White Island all the time.
"Volcanoes don't have an instruction manual and they don't always do the things you expect them to do."
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has personally thanked the helicopter pilots involved with the rescue mission.
Ardern told reporters on Tuesday morning their actions showed true selflessness.
"Obviously [they're] putting themselves in huge danger to do that," she said. "It's exceptional bravery and courage."
Eight people were unable to be rescued from the island on Monday, and on Tuesday police said its aerial searches had picked up no signs of life.
Those killed, missing and injured in the disaster are from several different countries, including the US, UK, China, Australia, and Malaysia.
Twenty-four Australians were on the island at the time of the eruption. Some have been hospitalised while others are unaccounted for.
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