Standing tall at 3,067 meters above sea level, Mount Ontake in Japan is a majestic sight towering over lush green hills. This ancient volcano is a favorite destination for hikers, with a trail winding through its ash-covered slopes. Along the way, hikers can find huts and a shrine, adding to the mystical allure of the place. On a clear day in September 2014, a group of hikers gathered at the summit, enjoying the breathtaking views and snapping photos. However, their peaceful moment was shattered by a sudden disaster that caught them off guard.
As they looked around in confusion, a gray cloud emerged from the mountain’s southwest slope, signaling imminent danger. The ash cloud quickly engulfed the summit, leaving the hikers disoriented and struggling to see through the thick fog. Suddenly, rocks began raining down from the sky, pelting the exposed mountaintop with no shelter in sight. It was a harrowing experience that tested their resilience in the face of nature’s fury.
Date: 2024-05-08 08:30:00
Source: www.sciencenews.org