Sunday Times 2
Volcano erupts in central Japan; hikers reported injured
View(s):TOKYO, Sept 27 (AFP) -A volcano erupted in central Japan today, shooting ash and rocks into the air that reportedly left 11 hikers injured, including seven unconscious, and forced 150 people to shelter in cabins near the summit.
The eruption of the 3,067-metre (10,121-foot) Mount Ontake straddling Nagano and Gifu prefecture happened around midday, the meteorological agency said.
Volcanic smoke rises from Mount Ontake, which straddles Nagano and Gifu prefectures in Japan (REUTERS)
Television footage showed huge clouds of smoke billowing from the peak, which is a popular destination for trekkers.
Several cabins near the summit were fully covered with grey ash, while some window glasses appeared shattered.
“There was a thunder-like noise and the sky became dark because of the smoke,” Shuichi Mukai, who runs a mountain lodge near the summit, told Kyodo News.
“There are 15 centimetres (six inches) of ash on the ground,” Mukai said.
In Tokyo, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered the military to dispatch troops to the peak to rescue hikers.
“We confirmed that there were injuries,” Abe told reporters. “I ordered (government officials) to do their best to secure the safety of mountain climbers.” Local authorities said they had received reports from people in the mountain that at least 11 hikers were injured, including seven unconscious.