Approaching typhoon hits rescue at Japan volcano site

The approach of a powerful typhoon has forced authorities to Sunday suspend rescue work near the Mount Ontake volcano eruption site in Japan.

A total of 51 people have so far been confirmed dead in the volcanic disaster Sep 27, Kyodo News reported.

Typhoon Phanfone is expected to bring heavy rainfall in areas around Mt. Ontake for the 24 hours till Monday morning, according to the Nagano Meteorological Observatory.