Biodun.BBC: BREAKING: New Zealand volcano: What we know about those affected

Floral tributes lie at the gates of the port where the cruise ship Ovation of the Seas is berthed, in Tauranga, New Zealand, 10 December, 2019. — Image captionPeople have left tributes for those who died

by Louise Healy and Biodun Iginla, BBC News, Wellington

The volcanic eruption in New Zealand has left some families grieving loved ones and others desperately awaiting information.

Forty-seven people were on the privately owned White Island, or Whakaari, volcano when it erupted on Monday.

At least 16 people have died in the tragedy. More than 30 people were injured with many reported to have suffered severe burns.

Of the 47 visitors, 24 were from Australia, nine from the US, five from New Zealand, four from Germany, two from China, two from the UK, and one from Malaysia.

Australian family: Krystal Eve Browitt - dead; Paul and Stephanie Browitt - injured

Krystal Eve Browitt, 21, in a photo taken from her Facebook page — Image captionMs Browitt was reportedly an Australian veterinary student

Police officially named Krystal Eve Browitt as a victim of the eruption on Saturday. She was reportedly a 21-year-old veterinary student from Melbourne.

The Browitt family were on "a cruise of a lifetime" when the volcano erupted, according to a fundraising page set up by a family friend. Marie Browitt stayed on board the ship but her husband Paul and daughters Stephanie and Krystal were on the island at the time of the eruption.

Paul and Stephanie have both been badly burned.

Tipene Maangi, New Zealand tour guide - dead

Tour guide Tipene Maangi had apparently only been working for White Island Tours for a few months before the eruption. A relative said he was not supposed to be at work on Monday.

Loved ones described the 24-year-old, known as Tip, as "the entertainer" and "confident and outspoken".

A vigil was held in his honour on Tuesday, with relatives calling for his safe return home.

In a message on Facebook, his cousin said: "You've got more than enough attention, it's time to make an entrance, it's time to come out singing your heart out."

Australian family: Gavin Dallow and Zoe Hosking - dead; Lisa Hosking - injured

Engineer Lisa Hosking is in hospital with severe burns but her daughter, 15-year-old Zoe, and partner, 53-year-old Gavin Dallow, have been confirmed dead.

The family from Adelaide were on a two-week cruise and it is believed they were on a day trip when the volcano erupted.

"We mourn the loss of Gavin and Zoe," a family statement said. "Gavin was a wonderful son and brother… he was a generous man, always helping his family and his community.

"Our hearts break at the loss of Zoe at such a young age. We know her loss will also devastate her school community and the local Girl Guides, of which she was an active member."

Australian family: Jesse Langford - injured; Anthony - dead; Kristine and Winona Langford - missing

A picture of Kristine and Anthony Langford — Image captionKristine and Anthony Langford are among the missing

Anthony Langford, 51, his wife Kristine, and their two children Jesse, 19, and Winona, 17, were visiting the island as part of their cruise holiday.

Jesse's grandfather said the teenager was alive in hospital while police on Sunday confirmed that Anthony was one of the victims.

Hayden Marshall-Inman, New Zealand tour guide - dead

A Facebook photo of Hayden Marshall-Inman

Local tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman was the first person named as having died.

His brother confirmed his death on Facebook, writing: "Friends and family, very sad news this evening. My bro Hayden Marshall-Inman has past [sic] away doing the one thing he loved. Thanks for all your messages. I'll be in touch when we know more."

The post was accompanied by a picture of the family dressed in animal outfits.

His brother, who did not want to be named, told local media that Hayden had been doing tours for the past 15 years and knew the risks.

"It is what it is, he died doing what he loved," he said.

Julie and Jessica Richards, Australian mother and daughter - dead

Jessica (left) and Julie Richards pictured after completing a fun run

Mother and daughter Julie and Jessica Richards, aged 47 and 20, have also died.

Jessica Richards had been studying veterinary science at the University of Queensland and shared with her mother a love of the outdoors, said family spokesman John Mickel.

He told reporters on Wednesday that relatives were "united in grief".

"For this family, [the festive season] will be one of deep poignancy," he said.

"You live in hope that it's not going to be your loved one's name that comes up. The hope was snuffed out this morning."

Australian family: Berend and Matthew Hollander - dead; Martin and Barbara Hollander - missing

School portraits of Berend Hollander (left) and Matthew Hollander — Image captionBerend (left) and Matthew Hollander

Sydney brothers Berend Hollander, 16, and Matthew Hollander, 13, have died in hospital from their injuries, according to their school.

The boys' parents, Martin and Barbara Hollander, remain missing.

In a statement cited by Australian media, relatives said they were "absolutely heartbroken" at the loss of "wonderfully kind and spirited boys who lived short but fulsome lives".

Knox Grammar School headmaster Scott James described them as enthusiastic and popular students who had been actively involved in school life.

The family moved to Australia from the US six years ago.

Jason Griffiths, Australian tourist - dead

Jason Griffiths, 33, died in hospital on Wednesday. He was part of a group of nine friends on a trip that his brother-in-law, Steve Jarzynski, said he had been talking about since last year.

Six of the friends said in a statement that they had found Jason in a hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

"From that moment until the moment of his passing, Jason was surrounded by friends and family members," they said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Lauren and Matt Urey, US newlyweds - injured

US newlyweds Lauren and Matt Urey were on their honeymoon. Lauren's mother, Barbara Barham, told the Washington Post the couple from Virginia had plans to visit a live volcano and were not concerned about possible eruptions.

Matt, 36, left his mother a voicemail message saying they had been "burned very bad".

"He said he would try to call as soon as he could, but talking and making phone calls was difficult," Ms Barham said of the message that Matt's mother relayed to her.

"His hands were so badly burned it was hard for him to make a phone call."

Matt's mother, Janet, revealed he underwent three hours of surgery but was now able to talk, take in fluids and eat jelly. However, Lauren, 32, who is in a different hospital, was still sedated on Tuesday.

She revealed the couple, who were wearing respirators at the time of the explosion, had taken shelter "behind a large rock".

"Ten minutes... could have meant life or death for them, but luckily they were already down the volcano close to the water, so they sheltered themselves a little bit," she told local news channel 21WFMJ.

Karla Mathews and Richard Elzer, Australian tourists - missing, presumed dead

A photo of Rick Elzer and Karla Matthews

Jason Griffiths went to the island on a day trip with two others from the group, Australian couple Karla Mathews and Richard Elzer, both 32.

According to the statement released by their friends, both are "still on the island", where they were "advised that there are no signs of life".

"We are incredibly saddened to have lost three of our closest friends," the group said.

Jake Milbank, New Zealand guide celebrating birthday - injured

New Zealand tour guide Jake Milbank was working on the island on his birthday on Monday when the volcano erupted, according to the New Zealand Herald.

He is now in hospital with burns to 80% of his body and his family by his side, the paper says. A fundraising page to help with his "long journey to recovery" has been set up by a family friend.

In September his high school posted on Facebook about a trip to the island and paid tribute to its ex-student, described as an "awesome tour guide".

Nick and Marion London, Australian couple - injured

The couple from the Sydney suburb of Engadine were initially reported missing but later discovered in hospital, according to Australian media reports.

Marion, 56, is said to be in a critical condition, while Nick has severe hand injuries.