Several hikers stranded in mountains in Hokkaido

Police and firefighters in Hokkaido are searching for people who have called for help after being stranded while mountain climbing in the prefecture.

Local police received a call at around 6 p.m. on Sunday from two foreign women in their 30s who were stranded on Mount Biei. The two reportedly said they were so weary that they could go no farther.

The police have sent a mountain rescue team to search for them.

Also on Sunday, two female hikers were stranded on Mount Tokachi after one of them got injured. Police plan to start their search on Monday morning.

On Mount Asahi, a man in his 60s hurt his feet and was later rescued.

Hokkaido police are calling on climbers to prepare adequate equipment and clothing, and submit a climbing plan to the police in advance.