New Zealand marks one year since deadly volcanic eruption

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attends a service in Whakatane to mark the first anniversary of the White Island volcanic eruption (Andrew Warner/NZME/AP)

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led a memorial service on Wednesday marking the first anniversary of a volcanic eruption off the country’s North Island in which 22 people died, sending her love and support to survivors and the bereaved.

Forty-seven people were visiting tourist attraction White Island on December 9 last year when superheated steam spewed out from the volcanic crater’s floor. Most of those who survived suffered horrific burns.