New Zealand's White Island volcano death toll rises to 8

Two people who were being treated in hospital after the eruption of New Zealand's White Island volcano have died, bringing the official number of victims to eight.

Nine people are still officially missing, presumed dead, and efforts to retrieve bodies from the island were put on hold yesterday amid signs of increased seismic activity.

Another 20 people are in intensive care with severe burns.

Five have been moved to Australia.

The volcano, also known as Whakaari, erupted on Monday when dozens of tourists were on the island.

White Island is a popular tourist destination with frequent day tours and scenic flights available. At least 47 visitors from around the world were on the volcano crater at the time of two explosions in quick succession.

[Source: BBC]