AT LEAST five people were killed after a volcano erupted on Whakaari island on Sunday night, with many more injured and missing.

Rescue operations stalled with fears of a further eruption at the tourist destination, which lies off the east coast of the North Island.

Twenty-three people were evacuated following the eruption at the country’s most active volcano with an estimated 50 believed to be on the island at the time.

Numbers left stranded were difficult to ascertain. Police said aerial reconnaissance flights have not identified any sign of life there.

Experts said that they were already aware of increased volcanic activity on the privately owned island.

On December 3 website GeoNet warned that “the volcano may be entering a period where eruptive activity is more likely than normal,” although it did not pose a risk to visitors.

University of Auckland associate professor Jan Lindsay said the alert level had recently been raised from one to two. “There was a heightened level of unrest and everyone was aware,” she said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: “I know there will be a huge amount of concern and anxiety for those who have loved ones at the island at that time — and I can assure them police are doing everything they can.”