Tourists should not have been on White Island - geoscientist

An Australian professor of geosciences believes tourists should not have even been on Whakaari White island because the volcano is too volatile.

Five people are confirmed dead after the eruption at 2.11pm on Monday.

Eight people are missing on the island and are presumed dead.

Police have confirmed a criminal investigation has been launched.

Emeritus Professor Ray Cas from Monash University's school of Earth Atmosphere and Environment in Australia has visited White Island twice before.

He tells Lisa Owen the island is too remote and unpredictable to be a tourist attraction.

Видео Tourists should not have been on White Island - geoscientist канала RNZ