“Our thoughts are with the people of Japan at this time of grief and sorrow in the wake of the loss of so many lives. The government and the people of South Africa wish the families, who have lost their loved ones, the strength to recover from this natural disaster,” said President Zuma.

The popular climbing destination, which straddles Nagano and Gifu prefectures, erupted before noon on Saturday.

The eruption of the volcano, which is 3 067 metres above sea level and 200 kilometres west of Tokyo, caused deadly ash and stone to rain down on the hiking site at the summit, which was packed with climbers, including children.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/world/sa-sends-condolences-japan