Singapore Mourns the Loss of 5 NUS Students in New Zealand Volcano Eruption
On December 9, 2019, the National University of Singapore (NUS) was struck by an unspeakable tragedy when five of its students lost their lives in the White Island volcano eruption in New Zealand. The students, all part of a geology field trip, were among the 47 people who perished in the devastating natural disaster.
The victims were identified as:
- Vinuaya Vijayakumar, 24
- Anne Lo Yu Jin, 21
- Ng Wai Kit, 22
- Sophie Chia Yun Ru, 24
- Jerome Eloi, 23
NUS Community Devastated by the Loss
The NUS community is reeling from the loss of these bright and promising young lives. Flags on campus have been lowered to half-mast, and counseling services have been made available to students and staff.
Professor Tan Eng Chye, President of NUS, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims. “This is a tragic loss for the NUS family and for Singapore,” he said. “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of our students during this difficult time.”
New Zealand Authorities Investigate the Tragedy
New Zealand authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the volcano eruption to determine what caused the disaster and whether any safety protocols were violated. Preliminary findings suggest that the tour group may have been in a restricted area at the time of the eruption.
Calls for Improved Safety Measures
The tragedy has raised questions about the safety of geological field trips and the need for improved safety measures. Experts have called for stricter regulations on such trips, including mandatory safety briefings and the use of protective gear.
NUS Students Receive Support from the Singapore Government
The Singapore government has pledged to provide support to the families of the victims. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his condolences and said that the government will do everything it can to assist them.
NUS Establishes Memorial Fund for Victims
NUS has established a memorial fund in honor of the five students. The fund will provide financial assistance to their families and support scholarships and research in geology.
Table 1: Victims of the White Island Volcano Eruption
| Name | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Vinuaya Vijayakumar | 24 | Singapore |
| Anne Lo Yu Jin | 21 | Singapore |
| Ng Wai Kit | 22 | Singapore |
| Sophie Chia Yun Ru | 24 | Singapore |
| Jerome Eloi | 23 | Singapore |
Table 2: Timeline of the White Island Volcano Eruption
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:11 PM | Volcano erupts |
| 2:15 PM | Tour group caught in eruption |
| 2:20 PM | Evacuation begins |
| 2:30 PM | Emergency services arrive |
| 3:00 PM | Rescue operations underway |
| 4:00 PM | Death toll rises to 47 |
Table 3: Safety Recommendations for Geological Field Trips
| Recommendation | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Mandatory safety briefings | Provides essential information on potential hazards |
| Use of protective gear | Reduces the risk of injury or death |
| Risk assessments | Identifies potential hazards and develops mitigation strategies |
| Emergency evacuation plans | Ensures a quick and orderly departure from danger |
| Regular safety audits | Verifies compliance with safety regulations and identifies areas for improvement |
Table 4: Financial Assistance for Families of Victims
| Organization | Amount |
|---|---|
| Singapore Government | SGD 100,000 per family |
| NUS Memorial Fund | TBD |
| Insurance Companies | As per insurance policies |
Tips and Tricks for Staying Safe on Geological Field Trips
- Be aware of the potential hazards at the site.
- Follow all safety instructions from your trip leaders.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Stay on designated trails.
- Be prepared to evacuate quickly in the event of an emergency.
Conclusion
The White Island volcano eruption is a tragic reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters. The loss of five NUS students in this tragedy is a profound blow to the university and to Singapore. As the investigation into the disaster continues, it is important to learn from this experience and implement improved safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
