Increasing tremors hamper NZ recovery efforts
There's a 50/50 chance the volcano on New Zealand's White Island could erupt again.
It's where a group of tourists lost their lives to steam and hot ash earlier this week.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said getting back there is of paramount importance to recovery teams.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN, SAYING:
"... They have been receiving information and advice from GNS technical experts as to the best most appropriate time to return to White island to undertake recovery. But having spoken to many of those involved in that operation they are very very eager to get back."
But conditions were still dangerous Wednesday (December 11)...
And authorities say they do not want to put any more lives at risk.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISIONER BRUCE BIRD, SAYING:
"We will make decisions based on all the facts we have got and we will not be moving there until the situation is safe for us to operate on.
Emergency crews described Monday's (December 9) aftermath as overwhelming.
Photos show a helicopter with charred rotar blades broken off.
47 people were on the island at the time of the eruption.
Dozens are injured and are being treated for burns in specialist units.
14 are known to have died or are missing - with aerial surveillance showing no signs of life on the island.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) WHAKATANE DISTRICT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE, POUROTO NGAROPO, SAYING:
"... And it's a really, sad, sad time, for all of us...
A local Maori community leader says they have performed a traditional ritual to help people retreive the dead.
And at a nearby port, locals bid a sad farewell to the cruise ship that had brought the tourists to the island.
Thousands of people visit every year to what is sold as the world's most accessible active marine volcano.
