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News > World

8 Schoolchildren Feared Dead After Japan Avalanche

  • According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, about 12 inches of snow accumulated in the Nasu highlands between midnight and 9 a.m.

    According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, about 12 inches of snow accumulated in the Nasu highlands between midnight and 9 a.m. | Photo: AFP

Published 27 March 2017
Opinion

The avalanche resulted from heavy snowfall in the Tochigi prefecture overnight. 

More than 60 students were climbing north of Tokyo near the Nasu Onsen ski resort when an avalanche occurred. Media reports are that eight students are feared dead and more than 30 others received injuries at the ski resort located in the Tochigi prefecture of Japan.

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Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that six people were found with no vital signs. Approximately 70 people, including students and teachers, are said to have been in the area at the time. The children were taking part in a large scale mountain-climbing event involving seven schools, local media reports said.

The avalanche resulted from heavy snowfall in the region overnight. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, about 12 inches of snow accumulated in the Nasu highlands between midnight and 9 a.m.

Robert Speta, a meteorologist for NHK World, said Tochigi prefecture had seen an unusual increase in snowfall in the past few days, despite it being late March. This spike in snow combined with rising temperatures increased the risk of avalanches, he said.

Chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said the government was working to confirm details and would give the highest priority to emergency response. Relief efforts are being hampered by poor weather conditions in the area. Rescue helicopters are still unable to reach the scene.

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