A New Zealand volcanic island erupted Monday in a tower of ash and steam while dozens of tourists were exploring the moon-like surface, killing at least five people and leaving many more missing.

This aerial photo shows White Island after its volcanic eruption in New Zealand Dec 9, 2019. The volcano on a small New Zealand island frequented by tourists erupted Monday, and a number of people were missing and injured after the blast. (GEORGE NOVAK / NEW ZEALAND HERALD VIA AP)

This handout photo courtesy of Michael Schade shows the volcano on New Zealand's White Island spewing steam and ash minutes following an eruption on Dec 9, 2019. (HANDOUT / MICHAEL SCHADE / AFP)

This handout photo courtesy of Michael Schade shows the volcano on New Zealand's White Island spewing steam and ash moments after it erupted on Dec 9, 2019. (HANDOUT / MICHAEL SCHADE / AFP)

This combination of handout images from a webcam belonging to the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences shows the volcano on New Zealand's White Island spewing steam and ash on Dec 9, 2019.(HANDOUT  / INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR SCIENCES LTD / AFP)

In this image released by GeoNet, tourists can be seen near the volcano's crater Dec 9, 2019, on White Island, New Zealand. (GNS SCIENCE VIA AP)

This handout photo courtesy of Michael Schade shows White Island Tour operators rescuing people minutes after the volcano on New Zealand's White Island erupted on Dec 9, 2019. (HANDOUT / MICHAEL SCHADE / AFP)

Emergency services attend to an injured person arriving at the Whakatane Airfield after the volcanic eruption Dec 9, 2019, on White Island, New Zealand. (ALAN GIBSON / NEW ZEALAND HERALD VIA AP)

Emergency services attend to an injured person arriving at the Whakatane Airfield after the volcanic eruption Dec 9, 2019, on White Island, New Zealand. (ALAN GIBSON / NEW ZEALAND HERALD VIA AP)