Avalanche
According to The Mainichi, the avalanche that struck a ski resort in eastern Japan has claimed the lives of 8 individuals and injured 30 others. As reported before, an avalanche struck Nasu Onsen ski resort early Monday morning around 9:20am. More than 60 students from 7 surround high schools were believed to have been on the slope when the avalanche was triggered. The ski resort ended its season last week, but this was part of a climbing event.
The climbing event began around 7:30am Monday. Around 30cm of snow fell in an 8 hour period Sunday night, which caused unstable snow conditions. Japanese officials have referred to the incident as a disaster and they are responding to it in all ways and making it a top priority to rescue avalanche victims. Local fire departments, self-defense forces, police officers, and a crisis-team have responded to the scene. More information should turn up shortly. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
