Mount Ontake volcano eruption intensifies

The eruption of Japan’s Mount Ontake intensified making the efforts to recover the bodies of at least 24 climbers to be suspended again.

At least 36 people are thought to have died in Saturday’s unexpected eruption.

Dozens of other people were injured in the incident on the mountain, which is about 125 miles west of Tokyo.

Hundreds of firefighters, police and troops have been involved in search operations.

Twelve bodies have been recovered so far. Another 24 are reported to be on the mountain, including five more located on September 29.

Japanese authorities only declare fatalities once the body has been examined by a doctor.

Some of the bodies were found in a lodge near the summit and others were buried in ash up to 20in deep, Japanese media reported.

An official from Japan’s meteorological agency said volcanic tremors in the area could mean that another explosion was on the way.

“The strength of the tremors increased late last night, diminished and then rose again early this morning. There’s the chance things could get even worse, so caution is needed,” Yasuhide Hasegawa told Reuters news agency.

“This points to possibly increasing pressure due to steam inside the volcano, and if it exploded rocks could be thrown around, endangering rescuers,” he said.

Japan’s meteorological agency has warned that volcanic debris may settle within 2.5 miles of the peak.