Aussies brought home

AT airports across New Zealand a mix of military and civilian aircraft from Australia were yesterday flying in and out, repatriating citizens injured in the White Island volcanic eruption.

On the ground a team of medical specialists was assessing those who could be moved, visiting some of the seven hospitals treating the burns victims.

There are two dozen people in intensive care, all in critical condition. By this morning most of the Australians would have been flown back with 10 patients expected to be taken to Sydney hospitals.

The movements came as authorities confirmed the death toll from Monday’s eruption was now at eight but is expected to climb considerably.

There were 47 people on the island at the time of the eruption. Twenty-four of those were from Australia, nine from the US, five from New Zealand, four from Germany, two each from China and Britain and one from Malaysia.

The Australian rescue has considerably relieved overstretched medical resources in New Zealand. District Health Boards yesterday said they needed to defer surgeries across the country to reprioritise resources to treat the burns patients.

“DHBs are discussing regionally and nationally how they can share resources to minimise disruption and manage the pressure on busy staff,” a health ministry spokeswoman said.

Burns victims needed constant monitoring and dressing changes. “This is just the start of a very long process that for some patients will last several months,” Counties Manukau Chief Medical Officer, Dr Peter Watson, said at Middlemore Hospital in Auckland of the time it takes for burns to heal.

Speaking from Melbourne, Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed 10 Australians were still missing and presumed dead.

“I want to start by just extending our deepest sympathies and concern and love to all of the families and all of those who have been affected by this,” Mr Morrison said.

“It’s obviously added to by the uncertainty and the frustration in being able to gain access, obviously, to the volcano and the Prime Minister has confirmed to me again that it is still a very dangerous place.”

Mr Morrison confirmed 24 Australians had been caught in the volcanic eruption as well as four permanent residents.

“There are two who have passed away in hospital and a further one permanent resident who is missing and presumed deceased,” Mr Morrison said.

“In the days ahead, there will be worse news, based on what I’ve just relayed to you.”

Authorities yesterday conceded they had only been able to identify six bodies under the ash, using drones.