Japan avalanche: eight high school climbers feared dead

As many as eight high school students are feared dead and more than 30 people have been injured after an avalanche at a ski field in Japan .

More than 60 senior students were participating in a springtime climbing session near the Nasu Onsen family ski resort, 150km north of Tokyo, when the tragedy occurred about 9.20am on Monday.

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Eight people have been found with no vital signs, rescue officials told Kyodo News. Japanese authorities are generally cautious about describing deaths before doctors’ confirmation.
Three other people remained missing and several other injuries were reported.
The tragedy followed heavy snowfalls in the region overnight. About 33cm of snow accumulated in the Nasu highlands between midnight and 9am, according to Japan Meteorological Agency data.
Robert Speta, a meteorologist for NHK World, said Tochigi prefecture had seen a spike in unusual snow in the last few days despite it being late March. This snow combined with rising temperatures increased the avalanche risk, he said.
The chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said the government was working to confirm details and would give the highest priority to the emergency response.
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