Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period

… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).

… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)

… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)

… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor.

White Island volcano erupts, killing at least five (5) people and injuring 20 (5+5+5+5), New Zealand. 50 (5) tourists just happened to be on the crater floor when it erupted. Eight (8) missing.

Posted by Teo Blašković on December 9, 2019 Watchers.news

An impulsive, short-lived eruption occurred at New Zealand’s White Island volcano at 01:11 UTC (14:11 LT) on December 9, 2019. The Volcanic Alert Level was raised to three (3) and Aviation Color Code to Orange. The eruption affected the crater floor where up to 50 tourists were located at the time. 

According to police reports by 09:10 UTC, at least 5 people have been killed and up to 20 were injured. 8 people are reportedly still missing.

An unknown number of people are still on the island. Both New Zealanders and overseas tourists are believed to involved. 

“Police is currently taking advice from GeoNet experts, who have advised that due to the current risk environment, emergency services remain unable to access the island,” NZ Police said 09:10 UTC.

“While it was initially believed there were approximately 100 people on or near the island at the time of the eruption, we now believe there were fewer than 50 (5). Some of those people have been transported to shore, however, a number believed to be on the island are currently unaccounted for,” they reported at 03:59 UTC.

“A volcanic eruption is hazardous in the immediate vicinity of the volcano. Volcanic hazards may impact on and near the volcano. Ashfall may impact areas distant from the volcano. People should stay out of designated restricted zones. A no-fly zone has been established.”

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/DirectPresentCurlew-mobile.mp4

“Our monitoring data shows that there was a short-lived eruption that generated an ash plume to approximately 12,000 feet (6+6) above the vent,” GeoNet Duty Volcanologist Geoff Kilgour said.

“Ash has covered the main crater floor as seen in our webcam images. Ashfall appears to be confined to the island and we do not expect more than a minor amount of ash to reach East Cape in the coming hours.

“Our monitoring equipment is still operating, and we have seen a steady decline in activity since the eruption. There remains significant uncertainty as to future changes but currently, there are no signs of escalation.”

Civil Defence emergency management director Sarah Stewart-Black said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) did not expect the eruption to have any effect on the people of the Bay of Plenty.

Police National Operation Commander Deputy Commissioner John Tims said 7 helicopters rushed to the island following the eruption. “Most of the rescued people had burns,” Tims said

“We know that there were a number of tourists on or around the island today, both from New Zealand and overseas,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said at a press conference on Monday night.

​”An active police search and rescue operation is underway,” Ardern said.

Update

13:25 UTC

Recovery operation

The Police Eagle helicopter, rescue helicopter, and NZDF aircraft have undertaken a number of aerial reconnaissance flights over the island since the eruption.

No signs of life have been seen at any point.

Police believe that anyone who could have been taken from the island alive was rescued at the time of the evacuation.

Based on the information we have, we do not believe there are any survivors on the island.

Police is working urgently to confirm the exact number of those who have died, further to the five confirmed deceased already.

As part of the recovery, a NZDF ship will approach the perimeter of the island at first light to deploy drones and observational equipment to further assess the environment.

Police continue to receive information and advice from GeoNet experts to support the recovery operation.