Japan volcano death toll rise to 48, worst in 88 years
Updated: 2014-10-01 19:37
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
Firefighters carry a hiker during rescue operations on Mount Ontake, which straddles Nagano and Gifu prefectures, central Japan, in this handout photograph released by Tokyo Fire Department and taken September 28, 2014.[Photo/Agencies] |
TOKYO - The death toll from Japan's volcanic eruption rose to 48 on Wednesday, the worst in 88 years, after more victims were discovered on the ash-covered summit.
Recovery of bodies suspended at Japanese volcano |
The eruption of 3,067-metre (10,062-foot) Mount Ontake, 200 km (125 miles) west of Tokyo, blanketed the peak with a deadly rain of ash and stone as it was crowded with climbers and hikers enjoying the autumn colours.
Police raised the death toll to 48.
That exceeds the 43 people killed in a 1991 eruption in southwest Japan and becomes the deadliest volcano since a 1926 eruption on the northern island of Hokkaido, which killed 144 people, according to government data.
Japan is one of the world's most seismically active countries. There had been no fatalities since the 1991 eruption of Mount Unzen, which caused a pyroclastic flow of superheated current of gas and rock.
Mount Ontake, Japan's second-highest active volcano, had a minor eruption seven years ago. Its last major eruption, the first on record, was in 1979.
Hikers said there was no warning of Saturday's eruption just before noon. Hundreds were trapped for hours before descent became possible later in the day.
Related Stories
Recovery of bodies suspended at Japanese volcano 2014-09-29 14:23
Recovery of bodies underway at Japanese volcano 2014-09-29 11:10
Over 30 feared dead after Japan volcano spews ash and rock 2014-09-28 15:30
Erupting Japan volcano injures several, leaves 250 stranded 2014-09-27 16:16
Today's Top News
China to start direct yuan-euro trade
Protest disrupts life in Hong Kong
Slim waist fad causing problems
Americans split over role of gov't in their lives: Gallup
Spanish diplomat killed in Sudan
Independence of MH17 probe 'crucial'
Illegal assembly in Hong Kong leads to clashes
Aggrieved firms 'should go to court'
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Sea change |
'Old newcomers' |
General aviation hub reaches for the sky |
Endangered species threatens livelihoods |
Chinese mavericks set to amaze racing world |
Helping them breathing |