WHAKATANE (Reuters): The Malaysian High Commission in Wellington says it has been informed by New Zealand authorities that at least one Malaysian has died following the White Island volcanic eruption. Earlier the New Zealand Government said eight people were missing and presumed dead on Tuesday (Dec 10) after a volcanic eruption covered a small New Zealand island popular with tourists in hot ash and steam, killing five people and seriously injuring around 30 more. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said aerial reconnaissance flights showed no signs of life on White Island, as eyewitnesses detailed the horrific burns suffered by some survivors. "It's now clear that there were two groups on the island - those who were able to be evacuated and those who were close to the eruption," Ardern added. UK High Commissioner to New Zealand, Laura Clark, confirmed on Twitter that two British women were among the injured in hospital.

Source: The Star December 10, 2019 02:15 UTC