New Zealand's White Island volcano showing increased seismic activity

New Zealand's White Island volcano is showing increased seismic activity, putting recovery efforts on hold.

Authorities had hoped they would be able to retrieve the bodies of those left behind on the island, all of whom are presumed dead.

GNS Senior Volcanologist Graham Leonard, says the volatility of the Whakaari at the moment means they can only assess the risks one day at a time Bridget Burke asked Mr Leonard what this means for a recovery operation… https://t.co/an9eAKeBdC

— First Up (@FirstUpRNZ) December 11, 2019

BBC News reports the exact death toll is unclear.

Police say at least six people died, two of them since leaving the island, and nine are officially missing.

Another 22 people are in intensive care with severe burns.

New Zealand's White Island/Whakaari volcano is acting a little agitated right now. Here, for @ForbesScience, is what that could mean, what may happen next, and a little explainer on those potentially misinterpretable alert levels. https://t.co/Pqg5FIiLB5

— Dr Robin George Andrews 🌋 (@SquigglyVolcano) December 11, 2019

One has been moved to Australia.

BBC