New Zealand's government says five people have been confirmed dead, following Monday's volcanic eruption on White Island.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and other officials held a news conference on Tuesday.
A police official said there were 47 visitors on the island when the volcano erupted.
White Island is a popular tourist destination in the north of the country.
The official said eight individuals are still missing.
Thirty-one people were reportedly taken to hospitals. Some of them have serious injuries.
Authorities say they will try to approach the island after the situation improves.
The uninhabited island is known for its active volcano. Thousands of tourists go there every year.
Local media outlets report that the alert level on the volcano was raised by one notch last month.
NHK
