The 2019 Whakaari (White Island) volcanic eruption remains one of the most tragic natural disasters in recent memory. Located off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Whakaari is an active stratovolcano known for its dramatic landscape and constant low-level activity.

Yet despite its beauty, the events of December 9, 2019, revealed the dangers that lie within such powerful geological formations. The eruption occurred without significant warning, catching tourists and guides on the island in a deadly cloud of scorching ash, toxic gases, and volcanic debris.

Since then, many people have asked: How many people died in the Whakaari volcano in 2019?In total, 22 people lost their lives as a result of the eruption—some instantly, and others after fighting for survival in hospitals due to life-threatening burns and respiratory injuries.

This article gives an in-depth look at the disaster, the victims, the events leading to the eruption, and what the tragedy means for tourism, safety policies, and volcanic monitoring worldwide.

How Many People Died in the Whakaari Volcano in 2019? – Full Explanation

The 2019 Whakaari eruption resulted in 22 deaths, making it one of the deadliest volcanic disasters of the 21st century in a developed tourism destination. To understand why the death toll was so high, it is essential to break down what happened before, during, and after the eruption.

1. Background of Whakaari / White Island

Whakaari, also known internationally as White Island, is a privately-owned volcanic island located about 48 km (30 miles) from New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty coastline. It has been continuously active for centuries and is known for:

• Steam vents

• Hot sulfur pits

• Bubbling mud pools

• Large acidic crater lakes

Before the eruption, Whakaari was considered safe enough for guided tours, which regularly included walking near the crater floor. Tour operators monitored volcanic activity levels daily and relied on data from GeoNet, New Zealand’s geological hazard monitoring agency.

Despite being an active volcano, Whakaari had produced mostly small eruptions, and millions of tourists visited over the years without major incident.

This history—and a perceived sense of safety—set the stage for the tragedy.

2. What Happened on December 9, 2019?

The eruption occurred at 2:11 p.m. local time.

At that moment, 47 people were on the island, including:

• 24 tourists from the cruise ship Ovation of the Seas

• 5 tour guides

• Several tourists from other countries, including Australia, the U.S., Germany, China, Malaysia, and the U.K.

The eruption was a phreatic explosion—a type of eruption caused by superheated water turning to steam. Phreatic eruptions can happen without clear warning because they are driven by sudden pressure changes inside the volcano.

The explosion sent:

• A massive column of ash

• Steam

• Sulfur dioxide

• Burning volcanic particles

straight across the crater floor where tourists were walking.

Temperatures reached 300–700°C (570–1300°F), enough to cause fatal burns within seconds.

3. Breakdown of Casualties

The 22 deaths occurred as follows:

Immediate Deaths

Some victims died instantly due to the intense heat and inhalation of toxic gases.

Hospital Deaths

Because burns covered up to 90% of some survivors’ bodies, many died days or weeks later, even after undergoing multiple surgeries. Medical staff described the injuries as some of the worst ever seen.

Survivors

Of the 25 survivors, many suffered:

• Critical burns

• Lung damage

• Long-term physical disabilities

• Emotional trauma and PTSD

The death toll would likely have been higher if not for heroic rescue attempts by:

• Local helicopter pilots

• Boat operators

• Emergency medical teams

who risked their lives entering an active eruption zone.

4. Nationalities of the Victims

The 22 people who died included citizens from:

• Australia (17 deaths, including later hospital fatalities)

• New Zealand (3 guides)

• The United States

• Germany

• Malaysia

• The United Kingdom

Most tourists were part of a shore excursion from Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, making the incident a global tragedy that reverberated across continents.

5. Why Was the Death Toll So High?

Several factors contributed:

1. Lack of Warning

Phreatic eruptions are almost impossible to predict. There were no strong signals hours before the explosion.

2. Tourists Were Near the Crater

Visitors were standing in one of the most dangerous parts of the island.

3. Extreme Heat

Temperature spikes killed instantly and caused fatal burns.

4. Toxic Gas Inhalation

Airborne chemicals quickly damaged the respiratory systems of those affected.

5. Delayed Rescue

Authorities could not immediately access the island because it remained highly unstable.
Initial rescues were conducted by private individuals rather than government agencies.

6. Legal Consequences and Court Cases

The aftermath included extensive investigations and trials.

New Zealand’s WorkSafe Prosecutions

WorkSafe New Zealand charged several tour operators and the island’s owners with safety violations.
Some organizations were found guilty of failing to meet safety obligations, resulting in large fines.

Royal Caribbean Lawsuits

Families of victims filed lawsuits in multiple countries, arguing that passengers were not properly warned about the risks.

Ongoing Global Impact

The tragedy sparked international debate about the safety of adventure tourism and the ethical responsibility of governments and private operators.

7. How the Disaster Changed Tourism

The Whakaari tragedy forced authorities and adventure tourism companies to rethink safety standards.

Key Changes Include:

• Strict limitations on accessing active volcanic zones

• Stronger regulations for tour operators

• Higher insurance requirements

• Better public warning systems

• Improved monitoring and emergency planning

Current Status

As of now, tourists are not allowed to land on Whakaari.
Boat and helicopter tours may view the island from a safe distance only.

8. Lessons Learned

The Whakaari eruption is now a case study in:

• Volcanology

• Risk management

• Emergency response

• Tourism ethics

Experts highlight the need to understand that nature does not operate on human schedules. The tragedy’s lessons continue to influence safety regulations worldwide.

How Many People Died In The Whakaari Volcano In 2019 (FAQs)

1. How many people died in the Whakaari volcano in 2019?

A total of 22 people lost their lives as a result of the eruption, including those who died later from severe burns and injuries.

2. How many people were on the island at the time?

There were 47 people on Whakaari during the eruption—tourists, guides, and crew members.

3. What caused the eruption?

The eruption was a phreatic explosion, triggered by the rapid heating of underground water into steam, leading to an explosive release of gas and ash.

4. Could the eruption have been predicted?

Not precisely. Phreatic eruptions provide very little warning, making them extremely difficult for scientists to forecast.

5. Are tours still operating on Whakaari?

No. No one is allowed to land on the island due to continued volcanic instability and safety concerns.

6. Which country suffered the most losses?

Australia, with 17 fatalities, suffered the greatest number of deaths among all nationalities involved.

7. What changes were made after the disaster?

New Zealand introduced stricter safety policies, increased monitoring protocols, and required more transparency from adventure tourism operators regarding volcanic risks.

Conclusion

The Whakaari eruption of 2019 remains a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic environments and the importance of prioritizing safety. With 22 lives lost, the tragedy continues to shape policies, scientific research, and global discussions about adventure tourism risks.

As we reflect on the lives affected, it becomes clear that informed decision-making and transparent safety practices are essential for protecting travelers and workers alike. Understanding what happened on Whakaari helps ensure similar mistakes are not repeated.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others, stay informed about natural hazards, and continue supporting efforts that promote safe and responsible tourism worldwide.