After a volcano erupted in central Japan, more than 30 hikers are believed dead and more than 40 are missing. Rescuers were contending with toxic gas as they tried to rescue stranded climbers in Mount Ontake. CCTV America’s Terrence Terashima reports from Tokyo.

Smoke climbed over 10 kilometers(6.214 miles) from several craters, pouring ashes and small debris to the surrounding areas. Over 230 climbers, covered in ashes, rushed down and managed to take refuge in nearby towns, but over 40 people were stranded in the mountain lodge near the peaks. Ashes accumulated over the huts.

Around 550 self-defense force, police and firefighters were called in to secure the safety of the surrounding areas. Teams were sent up to rescue the stranded climbers. Rescuers found 31 people who suffering from cardiopulmonary arrest. Only four were able to be rescued. Poisonous sulfur gases prevented the rescuers from reaching the rest.

The Japanese government sent experts from each relevant ministries to monitor and discuss future measures. Rescuers will attempt more rescue efforts Monday morning.