The volcanic alert for Mount Shinmoe has been raised to Level 3, restricting access due to increasing seismic activity and potential eruption risks. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that an eruption could result in hazardous conditions such as flying rocks, pyroclastic flow, and ash dispersal. Public safety measures are advised, especially for those in proximity to the mountain and surrounding areas.
Japanese authorities have escalated the volcanic alert for Mount Shinmoe to Level 3 on a five-level scale, thereby restricting access to the mountain, which is situated in the Kirishima mountain range that straddles Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures. This decision, made by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), was announced at 3:53 a.m. on Sunday, having previously been at Level 2, which had already limited access to the crater.
The JMA has indicated a noticeable increase in volcanic earthquakes directly beneath the crater since Friday. Moreover, ground movements suggesting the bulging of the mountain were detected around 2:50 a.m. on Sunday, accompanied by volcanic tremors lasting approximately 10 minutes. Satellite data supports these observations, indicating that ground swelling around the area has been ongoing since November last year.
Officials from the agency have warned that the escalating volcanic activity at Mount Shinmoe poses the risk of an eruption that could propel large volcanic rocks up to four kilometers from the crater, while pyroclastic flow could extend approximately two kilometers. The potential for volcanic ash and smaller rocks to be carried by wind to remote areas is also a concern, coupled with the risk of air vibrations from an explosive eruption damaging windows.
A news conference was conducted at 6 a.m. on Sunday, during which Kanno Tomoyuki, the official responsible for monitoring volcanic activity, urged the public to adhere to municipal instructions and avoid hazardous regions. He emphasized the need for caution, especially for those in downwind locales, including motorists, regarding ash and small rock debris. He recounted incidents during the mountain’s explosive eruptions in 2011, where air vibrations resulted in window damage and injuries, advising the public to stay indoors away from windows and to keep curtains drawn.
The recent elevation of the volcanic alert for Mount Shinmoe to Level 3 signifies heightened concerns regarding potential volcanic activity and associated hazards. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued stern warnings about the threats of large rock projectiles, pyroclastic flow, and airborne ash. Public safety measures are imperative following past incidents of injuries resulting from window damage due to air vibrations, necessitating adherence to official advisories.
Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp
