By Recep Sakar
MELBOURNE (AA) - New Zealand’s White Island (Whakaari) volcano erupted Monday, injuring around 20 people.
The eruption began at 14:30 local time.
Around 100 people were on the island at the time, according to local media.
New Zealand police later said there were fewer than 50 people on or near the island at the time of the eruption.
The authorities advised residents in the region to stay in their homes and close their windows.
The volcano last erupted in 2001.
*Writing by Fahri Aksut