New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealanders and tourists from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia are among those injured or missing following the White Island volcano eruption.

According to officials, 47 people were on the island at the time of the explosion.

New Zealand Police Superintendent Bruce Bird told reporters that five people have been confirmed dead, while eight are still missing. A further 31 are in hospital, while three have been treated and discharged.