The eruption of Mount Ontake in Japan Saturday caused the most number of fatalities in recent years in the country.

The New York Times reported that police has found 30 people near the peak of the volcano and are believed dead.

The volcano's eruption was a surprise since volcanologists, seismologists would often determine whether a volcano shown signs of erupting.

That Saturday, several people, who are now feared dead, were climbing the volcano. Reports say that the victims were found to have apparently suffered from a cardiac arrest.

The eruption also left several stranded at the foot of the volcano as ashes spilled from its slope, according to reports and rescue operations starting Saturday were interrupted because of fears that it might erupt again and spew toxic gases.

A later report by the Reuters stated that those stranded was able to make it down the volcano, but there were also reports of injuries from among the trekkers who have managed to escape the deadly eruption.

Reuters, citing an NHK report stated that there were 230 hikers who were able to get down while 41 remains in the mountain.

The report also quoted Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordering the military to conduct rescues.

 "I instructed to do all we can to rescue the people affected and secure the safety of the trekkers," Abe stated.

The report added that Ontake last erupted in 1979 and erupted again in 1991 but it was minor. It added that that the Meteorological Agency had difficulty predicting the eruption.

 The mountain is said to be popular among the hikers and is located west of Tokyo and situated between Nagano and Gifu Prefecture. The volcano erupted during the autumn season when the area is most popular.

Reuters also reported that witnesses interviewed have described the eruption and the ashes it produced likened to having snowed because of poor visibility.