It is with a heavy heart that we share the news as reported by The High Commission of Malaysia in New Zealand that at least one Malaysian citizen is among the deceased as a result of a volcanic eruption in New Zealand.

Source: High Commission of Malaysian in Wellington, New Zealand

The High Commission made a post on their Facebook page detailing that they were told by New Zealand authorities that a Malaysian citizen was counted among the casualties of the volcanic eruption. The High Commission is working closely with local authorities to keep Malaysians updated on the matter.

Source: Krzysztof BelczyÅ„ski

The volcano that had erupted is known as ‘Whakaari’ in the Maori language and White Island volcano in English. It erupted on the 9th of December and sent an ash plume 3.6km high into the air.

Source: Straits Times

So far, reports say that a total of five people have been confirmed dead with eight reportedly missing with local police not expecting to find any more survivors. Among those numbers is our fellow Malaysian, and people from Australia, the United States, China, and Germany

A video captured and posted to Twitter shows an up close look at the volcanic ash plume as can be seen below.
 

Source: @sch on Twitter

Our condolensces go out to the loved ones of the our fellow Malaysian citizen and everyone else who has lost someone as a result of this tragedy. 

Cover Image Source: gérard