Rescue operations resume on Mt. Ontake after major eruption
12:14, 28 September 2014
TOKYO. KAZINFORM Rescue operations resumed Sunday on Mt. Ontake, central Japan, after it erupted the previous day leaving many climbers trapped on the mountain, including more than a dozen reported to be unconscious.
The 3,067-meter volcano, which straddles Nagano and Gifu prefectures, erupted before noon Saturday. With smoke plumes extending up to 10 kilometers high, the volcano continued to erupt into the night, preventing rescue operations on Saturday amid fears of fresh eruptions and toxic gas. After rescue efforts resumed, three climbers -- all of them conscious -- were picked up by a Self-Defense Forces helicopter, according to the Nagano prefectural government, Kyodo reports.