New Zealand volcano: Death toll rises to 8 as island remains inaccessible

The death toll from a New Zealand volcano eruption rose to eight on Thursday. Eight more people are missing and presumed dead, buried under ash and debris from Monday's eruption. More than 20 people are in intensive care suffering severe burns. (Satellite image ©2019 Maxar Technologies via AP)

Combination photo shows Whakaari, also known as White Island, volcano shortly before and after eruption in New Zealand, December 9, 2019, in this image obtained via social media. (GNS Science via REUTERS)

The volcano, a popular tourist destination for day-trips, erupted on Monday, spewing ash and steam over the island. There were 47 people on the island, also known by its Maori name Whakaari, at the time of the eruption. (AP)

The volcano on White Island was "highly volatile" and could erupt again within days, the authorities told Reuters. There are no signs of life on the uninhabited island. In pic: Combination photo shows Whakaari, also known as White Island, volcano shortly before and after eruption in New Zealand. (Reuters)

The volcano on White Island has continued venting steam and mud, delaying plans by authorities to recover the bodies of victims from the volcano site. In pic: Family of volcano victim Hayden Marshall-Inman, walks from a meeting with Police Minister Stuart Nash and officials in Whakatane, New Zealand. (AP)