Terrifying eruption of Mt. Ontake brought around 36 dead bodies

Caught on Tape: The terrifying eruption of Mt. Ontake brought around 36 dead bodies last Saturday, September 27 2014.

Japan's second highest volcano, Mount Ontake, is also known as Mount Kiso Ontake. With the height of upto 3,067 meters (10, 062 ft.), it is located in the northeast of Nagoya, about 200 km (125 mi) west of Tokyo, at the borders of Kiso and Otaki, Nagaon Prefecture, and Gero, Gifu Prefecture.  

A rescue helicopter searches for survivors at the mountain shrine at the ash-covered summit of Mount Ontake. Photograph: KIMIMASA MAYAMA/EPA

It was usual on a daily basis to see many tourists groups and some hikers on the volcano's slope.  Just like last Saturday, many hikers' lives were put in danger when the volcano erupted unexpectedly. The last update reported that upto 36 presumed dead bodies were found, five of them were laying right on the slopes of Japan’s Mount Ontake. It is said that a huge cloud of ash released by the volcano billowed down the mountainside, engulfing everything including hikers in its path. Witnesses described that they were hearing a sound like a thunder which was actually the start of the eruption. 

Prior to this, actors and artists were going to Mount Ontake to put themselves into trances in order to get divine inspiration for their creative activities. Mount Ontake is considered a major sacred mountain, following older shamanistic practices.

One random hiker was able to capture the sudden eruption, showing how a huge cloud of ash began to cover them while they rush their way down the mountain.

Source(s): The Guardian, Viral4Real, Youtube