The official death toll after Monday's explosion on White Island stands at 6, with police listing another 9 as missing, up from the previous figure of 8. It remains too hazardous for rescuers to travel there, however.
WHITE ISLAND VOLCANO. Steam rises from the White Island volcano following the December 9 volcanic eruption, in Whakatane on December 11, 2019. Photo by Marty Melville/AFP
Health officials said 22 survivors still being treated in hospital burns units around the country remained in a critical condition requiring airway support. "There are a number of people in hospital who cannot communicate, they have significant burns not only to skin but internal organs," he told Radio New Zealand.A total of 47 day-trippers and guides were on the island when the blast occurred, hailing from Australia, the United States, Britain, China, Germany, Malaysia and New Zealand.
Seismologists have predicted there is a 40-60 percent chance of another eruption on the island, which sits semi-submerged 50 kilometres out to sea. With weather expected to deteriorate on Thursday, pressure is building to begin the recovery operation.
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