Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison says 10 patients injured in the Whakaari/White Island explosion will be transferred to New South Wales and Victoria, possibly from as soon as Thursday.
Three Royal Australian Air Force aircraft are due here with a team of specialist aircrew and medical equipment.
Mr Morrison confirmed on Wednesday night 24 Australians were visiting the island as part of a cruise ship tour when the volcano erupted.
He said 13 were hospitalised and 11 are still unaccounted for. Meanwhile, families of victims have been criticising authorities for an early lack of communication.
Mark Reddie is a reporter for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
He speaks to Kim Hill.
