Whakaari: Eruption on White Island | Dad and Daughter Remember | 4
Nov 26, 2024
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Join Geoff Hopkins, a pastor who found himself in a life-or-death situation, and his daughter Lillani, a geography student passionate about volcanoes, as they relive their harrowing experience during the Whakaari/White Island eruption. They share heart-stopping moments of joy before chaos struck and the frantic yet courageous efforts to rescue the injured. Their emotional journey highlights the bond between father and daughter, the importance of hope in despair, and the ongoing process of healing after trauma.
The unexpected eruption transformed a celebratory trip into a chaotic emergency response, highlighting the unpredictable nature of natural disasters.
Geoff and Lillani’s journey illustrates a profound process of trauma recovery, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and community among survivors.
Deep dives
The Excitement of a Dream Trip
Leilani Hopkins and her father, Jeff, embarked on an eagerly anticipated trip to New Zealand's most active volcano, Fakari White Island, to celebrate Jeff's 50th birthday. For Leilani, a geography student passionate about volcanoes, this journey represented a shared dream fostered by her father's past experiences on the island. As they navigated the two-hour drive, their mood was filled with excitement and anticipation despite minor stresses like traffic. The tour had a pristine safety record, leading them to feel secure about the potentially dangerous nature of their destination.
The Eruption: From Awe to Terror
Just after finishing their tour and as their boat prepared to depart, an unexpected eruption occurred at 2:11 p.m., sending plumes of ash and steam into the sky. Leilani and Jeff, witnessing the eruption from their boat, quickly shifted from awe to a realization of the dire situation for the remaining tourists still on the island. As the boat crew raced back to the island, Leilani recalled the immediate panic and chaos as the ash cloud engulfed the landscape, blocking the sun and signaling a critical emergency. This swift transition from joyful exploration to an urgent rescue mission marked a dramatic turn in their day.
Braving the Rescue Efforts
Returning to the island, Leilani and Jeff faced the grim reality of their situation as they encountered survivors who suffered severe burns from the eruption. With their basic first aid knowledge, they improvised to provide relief, utilizing available resources such as freshwater to cool the burns. The scene was chaotic and emotional, with many survivors in critical condition, and the overwhelming physical trauma they witnessed was shocking. Jeff drew on his strength as a pastor to offer hope and encouragement amid the despair while Leilani found solace in singing a hopeful song to provide comfort to the injured.
Aftermath and Healing
In the aftermath of the eruption, both Leilani and Jeff expressed their struggles with processing the trauma of the event, especially concerning the fate of those they had helped. Reunited after the chaos, they reflected on the profound impact the ordeal had on their lives, forging a strong bond through shared trauma and mutual support. Over the years, they have connected with other survivors, finding healing in shared experiences and supporting each other's recovery journeys. As they approach the fifth anniversary of the eruption, they carry with them both the pain of the past and a commitment to honor the memories of others affected by the tragedy.
On December 9, 2019, Pastor Geoff Hopkins and his 22-year-old daughter, Lillani, visited Whakaari/White Island to celebrate Geoff’s 50th birthday—a long-held dream. But as their boat began its return to the mainland, the volcano suddenly erupted, leaving 47 people on the island to endure its blast. Geoff and Lillani quickly found themselves swept up in a rescue operation. Now, they join host Cassie De Pecol to share the unforgettable story of that day.
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