Concerns over new tremors at Japan volcano

Increased seismic activity is raising concerns about the possibility of another eruption at a Japanese volcano where 36 people were killed, hampering efforts to recover at least 24 bodies still near the summit

Approximate area of eruptionAt least 250 hikers believed to be on mountain when it erupted unexpectedly on September 27

Gifu Prefecture
Summit 3,067m
Mountain lodge Centre of recovery operation

Nagano Prefecture

Volcano craterLast major eruption occurred in 1979

MOUNT ONTAKE

1,000m
3,300ft

Detail map

Mount Ontake

Nagano Prefecture

Tokyo

Gifu Prefecture

100km
60 miles

JAPAN

Some bodies found in lodge near summit, others buried in ash up to 50cm deep. Experts say victims probably died from suffocating ash, falling rocks and toxic gases

Source: Wire agencies
Pictures: Associated Press, Google Earth