Rain stalls recovery of volcano hikers' bodies

2013-05-09 69

Rescuers recover the body of a Filipino guide killed after Mayon Volcano spewed ash Tuesday, driving huge boulders onto a group of hikers in the Central Philippines.

Three Germans and a Spaniard were also killed, while nine others were injured following the eruption.

Officials were still scrambling on Thursday to recover their bodies.

The mayor of Albay province said poor weather conditions are making rescue efforts difficult at this time.

But family members of the late guide were willing to brave the rain and slippery slopes to retrieve his remains.

(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) UNCLE OF FILIPINO TOUR GUIDE WHO DIED ON VOLCANO,EUGENIO BERIN, SAYING:

"We were up there overnight, we brought his body down despite the rain. We worked hard to bring him back, because it's important that Jerome is returned to his family."

Volcanic activity on Mayon has not intensified since the Tuesday eruption.

Although Mayon is the country's most active volcano, it