Japan’s Mt Ontake volcano erupted, killing 30 people say rescuers

A volcanic eruption of central Japan’s Mt. Ontake caught many by surprise as climbers on the mountain and those living nearby had to run for cover from a pyroclastic cloud and ash.

“Nagano prefecture posted on its website that about 30 people had heart and lung failure, the customary way for Japanese authorities to describe a body until police doctors can examine it. At least four of the victims were being brought down from Mount Ontake on Sunday afternoon, one day after the volcano erupted.

A Nagano police official described the number of unconscious people as more than 30. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly.

Mount Ontake in central Japan erupted shortly before noon Saturday, spewing large white plumes of gas and ash high into the sky and blanketing the surrounding area in ash. The mountain is a popular climbing destination, and at least 250 people were initially trapped on the slopes, though most made their way down by Saturday night.” – usatoday.com