A volcano eruption on New Zealand’s White Island on Monday has claimed the life of at least one Malaysia citizen and several reported missing.The Malaysian High Commission in Wellington confirmed this in a Facebook post today morning.
“This morning at 9.30am local time, the High Commission was informed by NZ authorities that at least one of the deceased is Malaysian.
“Further details are being obtained as the investigation progresses,” the facebook post said.
The commission added that updates will be posted from time to time and advised its citizens those travelling near the region to exercise caution and follow the directives and guidelines issued by local authorities.
It urged anyone with information on any Malaysian in the area to contact it by tel: +64-43852439 / +64-210440188 (after hours) or email mwwellington@kln.gov.my.
Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Arden confirmed that five people have died and eight were still missing following the volcano eruption on the tourist destination.
She said tourists from Malaysia, Australia, United Stated, United Kingdom, China and Germany were among those killed or missing.
Local police have said that they do not expect to find more survivors on White Island as two explosions in quick succession had sent up a huge plume of ash that could be seen from North Island.
About 31 other people were injured during the incident, with a total of 47 visitors at the island during the eruption on Monday.
New Zealand’s geoscience agency has warned of a 50% chance of a recurring eruption in the next 24 hour at the island, said to be the largest volcanic structure in New Zealand.
White Island is said to be the largest volcanic structure in New Zealand, with 70 per cent of it underwater.
Media reported survivors running into the sea to escape the eruption but sustained massive burns as many were lightly dressed in just T-shirts and shorts.
It further added that cruise ship company Royal Caribbean confirming a number of passengers on its a 16-deck liner, Ovation of the Seas, had gone to the volcano island for a day trip without disclosing the number or any other further details.
New Zealand’s geoscience agency GNS Science has warned of a 50 per cent chance of a recurring eruption in the next 24 hours.
The active volcano is still spewing smoke, steam, ash and mud.
