New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern has said there were no signs of life on White Island following a volcanic eruption.
She said the focus was now “on recovery” and “to return loved ones”, once the island was safe.
Thirteen people are presumed to have died, five of those are confirmed dead and eight are still missing on the island.
The volcano erupted on Monday as tourists were visiting the popular attraction.
Thirty-four people survived, with 31 still receiving treatment in hospital.
Among those hit by the eruption are people from New Zealand, Australia, China, Malaysia, the US and the UK, Ms Ardern said in a press conference on Tuesday.
Follow live updates as details emerge of the victims
“To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your unfathomable grief in this moment at time and in your sorrow,” Ms Ardern said.
Reconnaissance flights were able to reach White Island on Tuesday morning
She said reconnaissance flights landed on the island but saw no signs of life.
“The helicopter pilot, as I understand, physically moved around the island rather than just an aerial survey and did so for some time and so brought back that report that unfortunately there were no signs of life.”
Visitors from several countries as well as locals are among the missing and injured.
Police said a total of 47 people had been on the island when the disaster happened on Monday afternoon local time.
The first victim to be identified is tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman, a local of nearby town Whakatane, who according to New Zealand media has been named by his brother on Facebook.
Another tour guide from New Zealand, 24-year old Tipene Maangi, is among the missing with his family telling media he had been called in on his day off.
Two British women were among those receiving treatment, said the UK High Commissioner to New Zealand, Laura Clarke.
BBC
