KUALA LUMPUR — The volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s White Island on Monday (Dec 9) has claimed the life of at least one Malaysian victim.

Eight people are reported missing.

“This morning at 9.30am local time, the High Commission was informed by NZ authorities that at least one deceased is Malaysian.

“Further details are being obtained as the investigation progress,” it announced in a  Facebook post.

The commission added that updates will be posted from time to time.

It also advised those travelling near the eruption area to exercise caution and follow directives and guidelines from the local authorities.

The New Zealand government confirmed on Tuesday that five people were killed and more than 30 injured in the eruption on the tourist attraction.

New Zealanders and tourists from Australia, the United States, Britain, China and Malaysia were among the missing and injured. TODAY understands that no Singaporeans have been affected. 

According to Reuters, the eight people still unaccounted for are likely dead, police said. 

"I would strongly suggest that there is no one that has survived on the island," New Zealand Deputy Commission John Tims told reporters in Wellington.

Reuters reported the island, located off the coast of New Zealand’s main northern island, was inaccessible.

White Island is said to be the largest volcanic structure in New Zealand, with 70 per cent of it underwater.

The international wire agency reported survivors running into the sea to escape the eruption but sustained massive burns as many were lightly dressed in just T-shirts and shorts.

It added that cruise ship company Royal Caribbean confirming several passengers on its a 16-deck liner, Ovation of the Seas, had gone to the volcano island for a day trip without disclosing the number or any other further details.

New Zealand’s geoscience agency GNS Science has warned of a 50 per cent chance of a recurring eruption in the next 24 hours.

The active volcano is still spewing smoke, steam, ash and mud. MALAY MAIL