More than 30 people were in critical condition near the peak of a volcano in central Japan Sunday, after its eruption on the previous day, local media reported, according to dpa.
The trekkers were found in a state of cardio-respiratory arrest by
rescue workers searching for dozens of people reported missing
following the eruption of Mount Ontake on Saturday, the Kyodo News
agency reported.
Three other climbers were picked up by a military helicopter early
Sunday, Kyodo said, citing local police officials.
Plumes of smoke extended up to 10 kilometres above the 3,067-metre
mountain, between Gifu and Nagano prefectures, and it continued to
erupt overnight, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
The agency was predicting more eruptions and warning of ash and
debris in neighbouring areas of the volcano.
More than 250 hikers were initially trapped following the eruption
shortly before noon on Saturday, but most were able to descend on
their own by Saturday night, Kyodo said.