Scale of volcano tragedy 'devastating,' says NZ PM

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said reconnaissance flights showed no signs of life on White Island, as eyewitnesses detailed the horrific burns suffered by some survivors.

"The scale of this tragedy is devastating," Ardern said.

Ardern said tourists from Australia, the United States, Britain, China and Malaysia were among the dead, missing and injured, along with New Zealanders.

She has said there would be a government inquiry into the incident.