Jacinda Ardern meets first responders after volcano eruption leaves five dead and dozens injured

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met first responders after a volcano eruption left five dead and dozens injured.  

Forty-seven people from Australia, the UK, the US, Malaysia and China were touring the volcano 50km off New Zealand’s north island when it erupted with a large plume of ash and steam at 2.11pm on Monday.

Ms Ardern said this morning that police and emergency services are focusing on recovering eight bodies, which would take the death toll to 13. 

The prime minister was on the front line on Tuesday comforting paramedics who were traumatised after seeing victims with burns to 90 per cent of their bodies. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met first responders after a volcano eruption in New Zealand left five dead and dozens injured 

Ms Ardern rolled up her sleeves as she visited the Whakatane Fire Station on Tuesday to speak with traumatised emergency crews

Ms Ardern rolled up her sleeves as she visited the Whakatane Fire Station on Tuesday to speak with traumatised emergency crews

Ayoung St John Ambulance worker at Whakatane Fire Station and holds her hand

One moving picture shows Jacinda Ardern holding a young paramedic’s hand after hearing her harrowing story

The volcanic eruption of Whakaari, also known as White Island, was captured on camera by people on a nearby boat

The volcanic eruption of Whakaari, also known as White Island, was captured on camera by people on a nearby boat

Chopper footage showed smoke billowing amid the devastation of 'ash island' - just 50km away from New Zealand's north island

Chopper footage showed smoke billowing amid the devastation of ‘ash island’ – just 50km away from New Zealand’s north island

Ms Ardern embraced emergency services workers after speaking to them about their harrowing ordeal. 

In one moving picture she can be seen holding a young paramedic’s hand after hearing her story.  

‘To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share your unimaginable grief at this moment and time and in your sorrow,’ Ms Ardern said on Tuesday.

‘You’re loved ones stood alongside Kiwis who are hosting you here – and we grieve with you and we grieve with them.

‘To our Australian family, especially, we’ll do everything we can to support you as you have supported us.’ 

Ms Ardern hugs an emergency worker. Some were horrified after seeing some victims with burns to 90 per cent of their bodies

Ms Ardern hugs an emergency worker. Some were horrified after seeing some victims with burns to 90 per cent of their bodies

Emergency workers (one is pictured shaking hands with Jacinda Ardern) have been putting their own lives on the line to save the victims of the volcano

Emergency workers (one is pictured shaking hands with Jacinda Ardern) have been putting their own lives on the line to save the victims of the volcano

Ms Ardern has been commended for her quick response to the volcano that erupted on Monday, killing eight people

Ms Ardern has been commended for her quick response to the volcano that erupted on Monday, killing eight people 

'To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share your unimaginable grief at this moment and time and in your sorrow,' Ms Ardern said on Tuesday

‘To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share your unimaginable grief at this moment and time and in your sorrow,’ Ms Ardern said on Tuesday 

Three Australians are believed to be among five killed after a volcano eruption on New Zealand’s White Island, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this morning.  

Among the Australians listed as missing are North Sydney family-of-four, parents Anthony, 51, and Kristine Langford, and their two teenage children Jesse, 19, and Winona, 17.

Newlywed couple James, 23, and Madeleine Whitehouse, 24, from Brisbane, were also listed as missing as of early Tuesday morning.

According to their social media accounts, the couple married last September and had been on holiday in New Zealand. 

She also extended her support to Australian families: 'We'll do everything we can to support you as you have supported us'

She also extended her support to Australian families: ‘We’ll do everything we can to support you as you have supported us’

Ms Ardern listens to the harrowing stories of police officers who ran to help the victims of the catastrophic eruption

Ms Ardern listens to the harrowing stories of police officers who ran to help the victims of the catastrophic eruption

She acknowledged the number of tourists visiting her country when the volcano erupted and said she is doing everything in her power to help them and their loved ones

She acknowledged the number of tourists visiting her country when the volcano erupted and said she is doing everything in her power to help them and their loved ones

Speaking earlier on Monday, Ms Ardern said there were ‘a number of tourists’ from her country and overseas on the island at the time.

‘I know there will be a huge amount of anxiety for those who have loved ones on or around the island at the time. I can assure them police are doing everything they can,’ Ms Ardern said.

Ms Ardern and Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare travelled to the nearby Whakatane on Monday night.

Ms Ardern was commended around the world for the way she responded to the Christchurch massacre on March 15, 2019

Ms Ardern was commended around the world for the way she responded to the Christchurch massacre on March 15, 2019

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern talks to the media following a meeting with first responders in Whakatane

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern talks to the media following a meeting with first responders in Whakatane

National Operation Commander Deputy Commissioner John Tims on Monday said there are possibilities of further eruptions.

‘The physical environment is unsafe for us to return to the island. It is important that we consider the health and safety of those that are going to rescue those on the island. So we will be taking that advice.’

The eruption at White Island – also known as Whakaari – thrusted a thick plume of white ash 3.6kilometres (12,000ft) into the sky. 

Jacinda Ardern hugs a woman at the Kilbirnie Mosque after shooting attacks on two mosques in Christchurch on March 15

Jacinda Ardern hugs a woman at the Kilbirnie Mosque after shooting attacks on two mosques in Christchurch on March 15

Jacinda Ardern was commended around the world for her quick response after the Christchurch massacre on March 15.

The Prime Minister refused to speak the gunman’s name, claiming it was to deny him the notoriety he wanted.

She put gun reform laws in place and banned a number of semi automatic weapons which had previously been available were banned. 

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