New Zealand

White Island volcano: Death toll rises to eight, police say

December 12, 2019 10:37 am

Two people who were being treated in hospital after the eruption of New Zealand’s White Island volcano have died, bringing the official number of victims to eight, police say.

Nine people are still officially missing, presumed dead, and efforts to retrieve bodies from the island were put on hold on Wednesday amid signs of increased seismic activity.

Another 20 people are in intensive care with severe burns.

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One has been moved to Australia.

The identities of the two victims were not confirmed. Police said one had been treated at Middlemore Hospital and one at Waikato Hospital.

The volcano, also known as Whakaari, erupted on Monday when dozens of tourists were on the island.