Military helicopters rescue people stranded after Mt Ontake eruption

TOKYO – Thirty-one hikers have been found without signs of life near the peak of Mount Ontake after Saturday’s volcanic eruption. The volcano, which is located about two hundred kilometres west of Tokyo.

More than 500 Japanese military and police set out to search the peak of Mount Ontake, a day after its sudden eruption trapped hundreds on the mountain for hours. Police said they were found in a state of “cardiopulmonary” arrest, but declined to confirm their deaths pending a formal examination, as per Japanese custom.

Video released by Japan’s Self Defense Force showed soldiers pulling up survivors to helicopters from the ash-covered mountain at around 10:00 a.m. JST (1:00 GMT) on Sunday.

Mount Ontake Eruption – Reporters without Borders Video

More than 40 people were injured, several with broken bones.

An estimated two hundred and fifty people were trapped by the eruption but fortunately but most have got down safely.

Mount Ontake erupted without warning on Saturday, spewing ash and rocks. The large plume of ash has impacted aviation, and is making it hard for rescuers to get to the victims.

by Reuters