New Zealand volcano death toll rises to 19

Written by Edrian Acla on

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This handout photo was taken on December 9, 2019, and released on December 10, 2019, from the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust shows the view from a rescue helicopter as it heads toward the smoldering White Island volcano off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island. – Survivors on December 10 recounted dramatic escapes and tales of heroism when New Zealand’s smoldering White Island volcano roared into life, amid “unfathomable grief” over the eruption that is believed to have claimed 13 lives. (Photo by Handout / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust / AFP

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AFP) —  The death toll from New Zealand’s devastating White Island eruption has risen to 19, with police confirming Monday another death in hospital.

The toll includes two people whose bodies have not been recovered.

A police spokesman said they were informed that a person had died late Sunday in an Auckland hospital.

There were 47 people, mainly Australian tourists, on the island when it erupted on December 9, and 25 remain in hospital. Many are still in a critical condition.

The sea search for the two missing people continues, although it has been scaled down.

“We haven’t given up,” deputy police commissioner Mike Clement said after telling the families why they believed the bodies were not on the island.

“But we are literally in the hands of the sea… the reality is we cannot be precise.

“I think the family understands as time passes it means less chance but not, no chance.”

© Agence France-Presse