A volcanic eruption in New Zealand has left at least 5 people dead according to the Cable News Network (CNN).
The government has marshalled the resources required to deal with the situation in a frantic bid to save lives and prevent more deaths.
Tourists were visiting the volcano when it erupted with little warning.
Law enforcement authorities confirmed the deaths that had been caused by the eruption, saying that there were little signs of life around the volcano.
"Based on the information we have, we do not believe there are any survivors on the island," a police statement seen by CNN said.
"Police is working urgently to confirm the exact number of those who have died, further to the five confirmed deceased already, " it added.
Foreign and domestic tourists are believed to have lost their lives in the deadly eruption.
Police say about 50 people were on the White Island Volcano when the eruption happened according to the BBC.
The police are set to descend on the area around the volcanic activity on Tuesday with the view of assessing the situation.
New Zealand, given its location in a region seen as tectonically-volatile, is prone to eruptions according to experts on volcanic activity.
The country's prime minister Jacinda Ardern told members of the press that the situation was "significant and evolving" as quoted by the Guardian Newspaper.