Today, April 13th (Saturday), the eruption alert level for the volcano Kuchinoerabujima in the Osumi Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture was raised from Level 2 (restrictions around the crater) to Level 3 (restrictions on entering the mountain). It was done. The eruption alert level for Kuchinoerabu Island was lowered on March 27th, so this is the first time in two weeks that the eruption alert level has been lowered to level 3.
Please be wary of large volcanic blocks and pyroclastic flows that are scattered along trajectories associated with eruptions within approximately 2 km of the Shindake and Furudake craters. Also, be wary of pyroclastic flows in the area from the Mukaehama area to the southwest of Shindake, from the crater to the coast.
After lowering to level 2, raising again
Kuchinoerabu Island, located to the west of Yakushima, has been experiencing a high number of volcanic earthquakes since April, with epicenters mainly in shallow areas near the Furudake crater.
Although similar volcanic earthquakes had increased since June 2023, they had decreased since mid-January of this year, and the eruption alert level was lowered to 2 (restrictions around the crater) on March 27.
The Furudake crater also erupted repeatedly until several hundred years ago.
On Kuchinoerabu Island, there has been active eruption at Mt. Shindake since recorded history. There was a time in May 2015 when a large eruption occurred at the Shindake crater, and pyroclastic flows reached the coast and the eruption alert level was raised to level 5.
On the other hand, the Furudake crater is thought to have experienced eruptions accompanied by pyroclastic flows until several hundred years ago, according to dating methods based on sediments. Although no eruptions have been confirmed since recorded history, fumarole has often been observed coming from the crater. Although it has the name “old,” it cannot be said to be that old when viewed on the time scale of a volcano.
Volcanic activity status and forecast warning items
Since the beginning of April, Kuchinoerabu Island has been experiencing a high number of volcanic earthquakes with their epicenters mainly in shallow areas near the Furudake crater.
Continuous GNSS observations using radio waves from artificial satellites have observed fluctuations indicating expansion near Mt. Furudake from around late June to November 2023, and the expanded state is still being maintained.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has stated that there is a possibility that an eruption could occur in an area approximately 2km from the Shindake and Furudake craters, as well as the area from the Mukaehama area to the southwest of Shindake, from the crater to the coast.
▼Target municipalities, etc.
Warning around the crater: Entry regulations, etc.
Yakushima Town, Kagoshima Prefecture
Disaster prevention precautions, etc.
Please be wary of large volcanic blocks and pyroclastic flows that are scattered along trajectories associated with eruptions within approximately 2 km of the Shindake and Furudake craters. Also, be wary of pyroclastic flows in the area from the Mukaehama area to the southwest of Shindake, from the crater to the coast.
Be careful on the leeward side, as not only volcanic ash but also small cinder blocks may be carried far by the wind.
Please follow the instructions of your local government and do not enter dangerous areas.
** (Reference: Explanation of eruption alert level) **
[Level 5 (Evacuation)]: Evacuation from dangerous residential areas is required.
[Level 4 (evacuation of elderly people, etc.)]: Evacuation of elderly people and other people who require special care in residential areas that require vigilance, and preparations for evacuation of residents are required.
[Level 3 (Mountain Entry Restrictions)]: Restrictions on access to dangerous areas, such as prohibition of mountain climbing and restrictions on entering mountains. Prepare for evacuation of elderly people and other people who require special care depending on the situation.
[Level 2 (Regulations around the crater)]: Regulations on entering the area around the crater, etc.
[Level 1 (note that this is an active volcano)]: Entry into the crater may be restricted depending on the situation.
(Note: Areas subject to evacuation and restrictions vary depending on local conditions and volcanic activity)
Reference materials etc.
2024-04-13 03:35:00
#Kuchinoerabu #Island #raised #eruption #alert #level #restrictions #mountain #entry #time #weeks #Kagoshima
