One-minute silence to be observed today at 2:11 p.m. in memory of White Island victims

A national minute’s silence will be observed at 2.11 pm today, Monday 16 December 2019, in honour of the victims of last week’s Whakaari White Island eruption.

"Wherever you are in New Zealand, or around the world, this is a moment we can stand alongside those who have lost loved ones in this extraordinary tragedy," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, OneNews reported. 

"Please join us in showing our support for the whanau of those who have died." Auckland Library tweeted.

Latest:

Police say the operation to recover the two remaining people missing on Whakaari / White Island will continue for as long as there's a chance.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush says today the Navy and police dive teams will be getting together to plan for another attempt at a search tomorrow. An aerial search with a helicopter will continue today.

Sixteen people have now died from the eruption last Monday. The latest confirmed death was of a patient transferred to Concord Hospital in Sydney for treatment.

There are still 26 people in hospital of whom 12 are in Australia after Australian Air Force planes last week transferred them to ease pressure on New Zealand hospitals and to allow the patients to be closer to their families. In New Zealand, 14 people are in hospital and 10 are in critical condition.

Seven people have been formally identified so far. (Updated Dec 16, 2019 6:39 AM)

Two Navy RHIBs (rigid-hull inflatable boats) deploying in the search area. Photo courtesy of NZDF.

What's happened so far:

• White Island / Whakaari erupted last Monday at 2.11 p.m., 47 people were on the island - 24 from Australia, nine from the US, five from New Zealand, four from Germany, two from China, two from the UK and one from Malaysia
• Sixteen people have now died from the eruption - Eight have been formally identified so far
• Two bodies are believed to still be at or near the island - police say it's more likely that they've washed out to sea now.
• Another attempt to recover the bodies will be made today
• 26 people are in hospital: 12 were transferred to Australia, while 14 remain in New Zealand, 10 of whom are in a critical condition  (UPDATED DEC 16, 2019 9:50 AM)