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There are 'no signs of life' on the New Zealand tourist island rocked by a volcanic eruption on Monday and no more survivors are expected to be found, police have said.

Five people have been confirmed dead in a powerful eruption on White Island, also known as Whakaari, at 2.11pm local time on Monday when an estimated 50 tourists were on or around the volcano crater.

Eighteen survivors were evacuated - some suffering severe burns - leaving an estimated 27 people unaccounted for. Police say the number of missing is in double figures, but refused to give an exact figure.