Japan volcano: 30 Mount Ontake hikers feared dead

Thirty hikers found near the peak of Mount Ontake are feared dead after being found unresponsive, rescuers say.

The hikers were not breathing and their hearts had stopped, reports said. Final confirmation of death in Japan always comes via a medical examination.

The volcano, about 200km (125 miles) west of Tokyo, erupted at about noon on Saturday, spewing ash and rocks.

The BBC Rupert Wingfield-Hayes says the continuing eruptions have hampered rescue efforts.