Sadly it's worse news to wake up to this morning in New Zealand.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/118058 ... and-erupts

It's horrible, Coracle. My prayers are with all those affected, especially those who've lost loved ones.

Did they have any warning, by the way, that an eruption was imminent? I must admit I don't know much about active volcanoes, coming from a country that doesn't have any.

To think that this recent disaster - which took multiple lives - occurs in a spot that was a tourist destination, a spot that was once peacefully used as a major location in the 3rd Narnia film (released 9 years ago to the day), makes me sad. I’m glad many are praying for the people caught in this tragedy. My thoughts are with them.

So it really was volcanic like they said in the movie? That's a horrible way to find out! Praying for the recovery of the injured and the comfort of the bereaved.

The island is just offshore from a big area called the Volcanic Plateau, containing three large dormant volcanoes, hot springs/geysers, etc.

Eight people have not been recovered, but the rescuers have been praised for their courage in dangerous situation.

There have been further developments since then, but there are still people to be found & the danger of another eruption increases. When looking at news footage I found myself wondering why the landscape looked so familiar, then looking at this thread, the penny dropped. I remember from the VDT film the beach where the Dawn Treader crew camped for the night, then the pathway leading away from the beach which Eustace took, then the whole layout of that island. A decade ago it was quite safe to film there.

Further news, those injured Australians who are able to be transferred are being flown back home to free up New Zealand resources. There are still 3 Australians missing.

There are recovery efforts this morning to find and bring back the remaining 8 bodies. At the same time, there is a risk of further eruption.

Local Maori elders have imposed a "rahui", on the whole area until all the bodies are recovered.

It was a prohibition that protected the area from spiritual impediments and prohibits acts in the area such as fishing, gathering seafood, swimming and boating in the area.

The article that came from also tells the legend of the origin of the island.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/118161134/ensuring-rhui-is-honoured-a-huge-task-for-cultural-advisor

UPDATE: Six bodies have been airlifted off the island, and the other two have not been found.

This is a bit late, but I'm really sorry to hear about what has happened!

My thoughts/prayers will be with everyone affected as well as Australia/New Zealand as a whole.

Thoughts and prayers to all involved! So sad!

The number of deaths has gone up to 16. There were 47 people on the island, and many had serious burns.

As per this morning's news there are still two people missing, but one was said to be in the water around the island. The New Zealand Army has gone to some trouble to rescue everyone & to find the last six bodies. One of the two missing people is said to be Australian. This morning the Ovation of the Seas, the cruise ship concerned, was docked at Circular Quay in Sydney Harbour, still very murky from the bushfires from the Mount Tomah area in the Candlewick Mountains. Yes, it is most regrettable that this terrible incident happened, & my deepest sympathies to the families of those killed, as well as those injured.