Two days after the volcanic eruption on White Island, police said the recovery of bodies is the “absolute priority” but noted the environment on the island has changed since the eruption.

Police will continue to assess the safety of deploying teams on the island with scientific experts in Wellington every two to three hours.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Bruce Bird told reporters Wednesday that drones have been able to look over the island, but said it remained too dangerous to begin the recovery of bodies. Disaster victim identification specialists are standing by in Whakatane ready to be deployed