Search ends for the day at Kusatsu ski resort

Jan 25, 2018 | News On Japan

Jan 25, 2018 (NHK) - Police and firefighters have ended search operations for the day at a ski resort at Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, which erupted on Tuesday, killing one and injuring 11.

More than 40 members combed the Kusatsu ski resort in Gunma Prefecture on Thursday to see if anyone is stranded. They say they have found no one so far. Police plan to keep looking on Friday.

Search operations were suspended on Wednesday after volcanic tremors were observed. Such tremors are believed to be caused by movements of underground hot water and gasses.

Tuesday's eruption occurred near a pond at the Moto-Shirane peak of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, spewing volcanic rocks and ashes.

Debris hit 8 Ground Self-Defense Force personnel drilling nearby. A 49-year-old member died. Four skiers were also injured.

Thursday's search covered several ski runs including the one where the GSDF members had been drilling.

The search parties also examined debris and other conditions at the ski area. Rocks up to 60 centimeters in diameter were found on a run along a ropeway.

The Meteorological Agency is keeping the alert level for the volcano at 3 on a scale of 5, warning of another possible eruption.

Officials are calling for caution against flying rocks within a 2-kilometer range from craters near the pond. Local authorities are restricting entry to the area.

Weather officials say 639 volcanic earthquakes were observed on Tuesday, followed by 23 on Wednesday and 13 as of 4:30 PM on Thursday.

They also say 4 volcanic tremors were recorded on Wednesday, along with other data suggesting continued volcanic activity.

On Thursday, 2 volcanic tremors were observed around 4 PM, along with a slight upheaval of land at the Moto-Shirane peak.

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