MOSCOW, October 5 (RIA Novosti) - As a strong typhoon has been forecast to strike Japan, the search for bodies in the aftermath of the Mount Ontake deadly volcanic eruption was suspended on October 5, The Japan Times reported Sunday.
Powerful typhoon Phanfone is expected to hit the Mount Ontake region later on Sunday, forcing search efforts to halt, with 12 people still missing and 51 confirmed dead.
According to the Nagano Meteorological Observatory, the typhoon could bring heavy rains, which, combined with the volcanic ash, can lead to landslides.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency has placed the Ontake mountain region in the Nagano Prefecture on high alert. Several parts to the south are on high alert as well, as the typhoon is striking with strong winds, high waves and torrential rains.
Mount Ontake, a popular trekking destination, experienced a massive eruption on September 27 making it Japan's deadliest eruption in the past 90 years, involving nearly 1,000 firefighters and police in rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, according to the newspaper, Japan's two largest airlines, the ANA Holdings and Japan Airlines, canceled at least 60 flights as the typhoon began to hit the main islands of Japan on Sunday.
