KATHMANDU, Nepal–At least 30 hikers were feared dead and several other missing near the peak of Mount Ontake, following Saturday’s sudden volcanic eruption. Among the 250 people who were trapped on the slopes, most have reportedly taken down safely.
Rescue workers were also helping others make their way down.
The volcano, about 200km west of Tokyo, erupted suddenly on Saturday, ejecting ash and rocks, according international new agencies.
Mount Ontake is popular place for autumn foliage. Efforts are being stepped up to search other hikers who were missing or buried by ash.
Military helicopters plucked seven people off the mountainside earlier on Sunday, according to AP.
Japan is prone to seismology, but there have been no fatalities from volcanic eruptions since 1991, when 43 people died at Mount Unzen in the south-west.
There was no warning of Saturday’s eruption.