"Police can confirm a further person injured in the Whakaari / White Island eruption, and later repatriated to Australia, sadly died yesterday ... The official number of deceased is now 16 – this includes 15 people who died in New Zealand and one person in Australia", police said.
Death Toll in Volcano Eruption in New Zealand Rises to 16 - Police
© REUTERS / 2019 Maxar Technologies
The eruption of the volcano on White Island took place on 9 December, prompting 100 people to evacuate. Several people are still believed to be missing. According to New Zealand's health authorities, 27 out of the 31 survivors suffered severe burns, including in their respiratory tracts.