Japan: High school students hit by avalanches

Two more students are feared dead in an avalanche at a ski resort north of Tokyo. That brings the total of people found with no vital signs to 8.

A doctor has to examine them before an official death notice can be issued. Authorities say 40 others are injured.

The 8 high schoolers were among more than 60 students and teachers taking part in a mountain climbing workshop in Nasu, in Tochigi Prefecture.

An avalanche warning was in place at the time. It remains in effect. The government has set up a liaison office to gather and share information.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government will try to further strengthen the country’s disaster prevention system by beefing-up alerts and evacuation frameworks.

Source and image: NHK