A deadly avalanche at a ski resort in central Japan is believed to have been triggered by a volcanic eruption.
A soldier was killed and at least 14 people injured, some critically, the BBC reported.
The eruption sent rocks cascading down over a kilometre-wide area near the resort of Kusatsu in central Gunma prefecture, according local media reports.
Four people who were riding a gondola at the resort at the time were among those injured.
Six members of the military, who were conducting an exercise in the area, had to be rescued from the avalanche.
Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, 93 miles from Tokyo, erupted Tuesday morning but it is not clear if that is what triggered the avalanche.
“Based on various measurements, we can say that the mountain appears to have erupted, but we are still trying to confirm facts on the ground,” Japan’s Meteorological Agency said, according to Reuters.
The agency has warned people not climb the mountain.
One person was initially reported missing in the avalanche, but officials later said that was not the case.
Some of the volcanic debris fell more than 0.6 miles from the mountain.
Local media show footage of rocks plummeting down, kicking up clouds of snow as they hit the ground.
“Black smoke rose from the top of the mountain and we were told to evacuate inside 30 minutes later,” an eyewitness at the resort told state broadcaster NHK, adding that around 100 people had been evacuated.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its travel advice for Japan this morning to say: “Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a level-3 volcanic alert on a scale of 5, telling people not to approach and a warning about the danger of falling volcanic rocks.
“If you are in the area you should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”
The incident came as Mayon volcano in the Albay province of the Philippines was reported to be erupting with lava and ash plumes.
Legazpi City international airport suspended operations and further disruption to flights in the region is possible, the FCO warned in an updated travel advisory.
“The local alert level has been raised to level 4, meaning a more hazardous eruption may be imminent,” the FCO warned.
“If you’re in the area, you should remain vigilant, monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities to stay out of the designated danger zone within 8km of the crater.”