More than 20 Australians have been reported missing by family members following a volcano eruption on White Island off the coast of New Zealand.
Conditions on the island remain too dangerous for emergency services to launch a recovery operation following the tragedy, New Zealand authorities said on Tuesday morning. Police said five people were confirmed dead, eight remained missing on the island and 31 were in hospital with burn injuries. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern commended the bravery of rescue teams and offered her condolences to those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
“To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your unfathomable grief at this moment in time and in your sorrow,” she said. “To our Australian family especially, we will do everything we can to support you as you have supported us.” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there were a number of Australians at the site at the time of the eruption and “we must prepare for some difficult news in the days ahead”.
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