Japan avalanche: 8 schoolchildren feared dead in resort disaster

Many people, including schoolchildren and staff, are feared dead as an avalanche hit a resort in Japan on Monday morning.

Eight students are said to be showing no signs of life at the moment, three are injured and other three are reportedly missing.

Reports state more than 60 people were thought to be near the resort when the incident occurred at the Nasu Onsen Family Ski Resort in Tochigi prefecture.

A group of schoolchildren were participating in a mountaineering expedition in the area, according to local media reports.

Report states that many high schools were involved in the expedition with a total of 55 children and 11 teachers at the resort, according to TV channel HRK.

The incident reportedly occurred at 9:20 am on Monday. Rescue efforts are underway.

A fire department official told local media that more than 30 people have suffered grave injuries in the incident.

Japanese Meteorological Agency data showed the region has had 26 days of continuous snow.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yuka Kan said: "We will continue to evaluate the damage information and work closely with the affected local governments, we will make disaster emergency measures with the highest priority to the life-saving and rescue of the victims.," according to Mirror reports.

No estimate of casualties has been provided yet.

More details of the incident are awaited.