New Zealand Police Confirm 20 Now Dead From December Volcano Eruption

New Zealand Police Confirm 20 Now Dead From December Volcano Eruption

The death toll following the eruption of a volcano on New Zealand's White Island in December has risen to 20, the nation's police said in a statement on Thursday

MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 23rd January, 2020) The death toll following the eruption of a volcano on New Zealand's White Island in December has risen to 20, the nation's police said in a statement on Thursday.

The volcano erupted on December 9. Shortly thereafter, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched an inquiry into why tourists were allowed on the island while the volcano was active. It was previously reported that two people were still considered missing, but police are now confirming that they died from the natural disaster.

"Death toll from Whakaari/White Island eruption rises to 20," the police tweeted.

The remaining 18 victims were confirmed dead earlier in the month.

Out of the total number of victims, 17 have reportedly been confirmed as Australian citizens and two of them died in hospitals upon returning to their home country.�