[caption id="attachment_204991" align="aligncenter" width="900"]
Steam rises from the White Island volcano in Whakatane on December 10, 2019, after a volcanic eruption the day before. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed "unfathomable grief" on December 10 after a volcanic eruption on a popular tourist island that is thought to have claimed 13 lives. — Picture by MARTY MELVILLE/AFP[/caption]
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 — At least one Malaysian is among eight people feared dead after a volcano erupted off the coast of New Zealand’s' White Island on Monday.
A Facebook posting by the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington today stated that the commission was informed the matter by the New Zealand authorities.
When contacted by Bernama today, a spokesperson at the High Commission said they were in the process of gathering information on the victim.
"The commission is having a meeting right now regarding the matter and for the time being we cannot disclose any particulars," she said
A volcanic eruption occurred on White Island, also known as Whakaari, 48 kilometers from the North Island of New Zealand, shooting a huge plume of ash and steam into the air when a group of tourists were visiting the island. So far eight people are unaccounted for and the search and rescue efforts are continuing.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson at Wisma Putra said it is liaising working with the High Commission in Wellington and the local authorities there to obtain details on the victim.
"We are working on the details, like which hospital is the victim sent to... I don't have the information as of now, and once we have all the information, we will release the details," he told Bernama.
The High Commission also advised Malaysians travelling near the region to exercise caution and follow the advice issued by local authorities.
"Those who require consular assistance may contact the High Commission via telephone +64-43852439 / +64-210440188 (after hours) or email mwwellington@kln.gov.my," it said in the Facebook posting.
— Bernama
