Eight still missing with ‘no signs of life’ after New Zealand eruption
Authorities say the death toll is expected to rise after a volcano eruption on New Zealand’s Whakaari Island (White Island), with police saying there is ‘no sign of life’ on the island.
Air reconnaissance flights flew over the island in the hours since the eruption and police believe anyone still there is likely dead.
Five people have been confirmed dead while another 31 were being treated in hospital.
That leaves about eight people still unaccounted for.
Some of the injured are in a critical condition.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said tour groups, both from New Zealand and overseas, had been on the island at the time, including many Australians.
Other nationalities include the UK, US and Malaysia.
"I know there will be a huge amount of concern and anxiety for those who had loved ones on or around the island at the time. I can assure them that police are doing everything they can," the Prime Minister said.
Some of the tourists are believed to be passengers on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Ovation of the Seas, according to the New Zealand Cruise Association.
The eruption happened at about 2pm local time, 48km off the coast of the Bay of Plenty, on the North Island.
Search teams have not yet been able to land on Whakaari because it is still considered too dangerous, according to reports.
At first light on Tuesday drones will be deployed to see whether the terrain is safe for a recovery mission.
It is New Zealand’s most active cone volcano, according to the GeoNet geological hazard monitoring service in New Zealand.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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