Caught near the summit of Mt Ontake.<br/> <br />For one group of hikers there was no choice but to seek shelter in a nearby mountain lodge, while the volcanic rock and debris rained down.<br/> <br />When it was over, the group ventured outside, the mountain blanketed by ash. A difficult descent lay ahead.<br/> <br />But they were among the lucky ones.<br/> <br />Hundreds of climbers were believed to be on Mt Ontake when it erupted. More than 30 are feared dead. The search for survivors continues.
