New Zealand volcano: Eight still missing, fears of new eruptions on island

Eight people are still missing and presumed dead following Monday’s volcanic eruption in New Zealand, police have said.

Officials have warned there is a “40-60% chance chance” another eruption could happen on White Island – also known by the Maori name Whakaari – in the next 24 hours.

Forty-seven people were on the uninhabited island at the time of the eruption. Six people have been confirmed dead, and 33 others are injured.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said recovery teams were hoping to soon reach the island for the first time.

But experts from the GeoNet seismic monitoring agency recorded volcanic tremors on the island on Wednesday morning, accompanied by an increase in the amount of steam and mud being released, meaning it is not safe for crews to try to recover bodies that remain there.

Via Sky News/NZ Herald