New Zealand recovery teams returned to the White Island on Sunday where a volcano erupted but were unable to locate two remaining bodies in their search, police said.

The death toll has climbed to 16. It may rise as more than two dozen people remain hospitalized across New Zealand and Australia, most with severe burn injuries.

A team of New Zealand soldiers began an operation Friday morning to recover the bodies of eight victims presumed killed during Monday's volcano eruption on White Island. 

Read more: New Zealand to return for two bodies remaining on volcanic island

Six bodies have been recovered during their search. 

Police said they remained committed to recovering the bodies of people who are presumed dead and that police and military divers were continuing to scour the waters around the island.

New Zealand will observe one minute of silence nationwide at 2:11 p.m. on Monday in honor of the victims of the White Island volcanic eruption, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday.

Both Chinese nationals injured in New Zealand's White Island volcanic eruption have gained consciousness and are in stable condition.