Filipino climber dies in Japan Alps
A Pinoy climber died after getting stranded on Mt. Okuhotakadake, which is known to be the third-highest peak in Japan after Mount Fuji and Mount Kita.
According to Kyodo News, police said the man was among those who were rescued after getting stranded while descending the 3,190-meter summit last weekend. He was part of a seven-person group that climbed the peak, which also included a Filipino woman.
The media outlet reported that authorities launched a search in the evening of Saturday after getting an emergency alert from a staff member of a mountain lodge situated near Mt. Okuhotakadake.
The one who called said a Filipina reported that three members of her group were missing. Per Kyodo News, they were later found 170 meters away from the mountain lodge the following morning.
The Pinoy tourist was declared dead later on, while another man is said to be suffering from hypothermia. The woman, meanwhile, was able to walk down from the peak by herself.
Mt. Okuhotakadake is part of the Hotaka mountains, which are "known for the difficulty to attain their summits."
While it has well-maintained trails and mountain huts, it's noted on the Japan Alps website that it "does not necessarily mean that these mountains have completely changed into easy places to hike."
"It is very important to bear in mind that this is an area requiring proper planning and preparation. You need to have the right gear, physical stamina, mental toughness and fine weather to approach the area," it said. "If you are lacking even one of these, even though you are at the trailhead, you should be brave enough not to enter the mountains."
