Hiker Catches Volcano’s Eruption on Video, and Is Overtaken by Ash : The Two-Way : NPR
A huge cloud of rolling ash and dust poured down the side of Mt. Ontake in central Japan Saturday, as the volcano erupted and coated the surrounding area in ash. The sudden eruption initially stranded more than 250 hikers; one of them managed to shoot video of the shocking sight of an immense billowing gray cloud speeding toward them.
Dozens of people are reportedly injured and at least seven are missing on the mountain, whose summit is around 10,000 feet. This is a busy time of year on Mt. Ontake, where a relatively gentle slope and mountainside lodges draw visitors who want to take in views of the fall foliage.
Update at 12:15 and 7:15 p.m. ET: Hundreds Reach Safety, One Killed
“Police say about 230 people have since descended the volcano, while 41 people remain on the mountain, including injured climbers waiting to be rescued.”
That’s the word from Japan’s NHK News, which says the eruption seriously injured more than 30 people. The agency also says more than 10 people who were rescued remain unconscious.
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