New Zealand volcano death toll rises to 18

AFP

A man who was injured in last month's volcanic eruption in New Zealand has died in an Australian hospital, taking the death toll to 18.

Police added that the two remain missing are presumed dead after the search operation was scaled down. 

Those who survived the White Island volcano eruption on December 9 are still being treated in hospitals in New Zealand and Australia for severe burn injuries.

New Zealand authorities continue to carry investigations into the circumstances around the disaster.

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