More than 30 people were presumed dead on Sunday near the peak of a Japanese volcano, Mount Ontake, that erupted unexpectedly a day earlier while it was packed with hikers out to admire autumn foliage, sending a huge cloud of ash and rock tumbling down its slopes.
Japan Rescue Search for Victims of Mount Ontake Volcano Eruption
1
Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) soldiers run to assist in a rescue operation near the peak of Mt. Ontake, which straddles Nagano and Gifu prefectures, central Japan, Sept. 29, 2014.
2
Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) soldiers and police officers take part in a rescue operation near the peak of Mount Ontake. More than 500 rescuers resumed the search for victims of the volcano on Monday, central Japan, Sept. 29, 2014.
3
Volcanic smoke rises from Mount Ontake, which straddles Nagano and Gifu prefectures, central Japan, Sept. 29, 2014.
4
This aerial picture shows rescue workers and Self Defense Force soldiers searching for missing climbers and survivors among ash-covered mountain cottages and a Shinto shrine (above) on the top of Mount Ontake at Nagano prefecture, Sept. 28, 2014.