Home / Environment / Hokkaido Volcano Alert Raised to Level 3
Hokkaido Volcano Alert Raised to Level 3
13 Sep
Summary
- Mount Tokachidake alert level raised to 3 for first time since 2008.
- Volcanic activity has increased, warning of rocks within 3 km.
- Local evacuations underway in Furano and nearby towns.
The alert level for Mount Tokachidake, a volcano in Hokkaido, Japan, was raised to Level 3 on Saturday morning by the Japan Meteorological Agency. This signifies increased volcanic activity and marks the first time the highest alert level has been issued since the system's introduction in 2008. The agency warns of potential hazards, including large volcanic rocks being ejected up to approximately 3 kilometers from the crater.
This heightened alert has led to immediate safety measures. The Kamifurano town government has enacted an evacuation order for the Fukiage Onsen area. Additionally, elderly and vulnerable residents in the Tokachidake Onsen area have been advised to evacuate. The mountain is located within the administrative boundaries of Furano city and the towns of Biei, Kamifurano, Minamifurano, and Shintoku.
Evidence of escalating volcanic unrest has been accumulating since March. This includes crustal deformation indicating underground expansion and a rise in sulfur dioxide emissions since April. The number of large volcanic earthquakes near Mount Tokachidake has significantly increased since August 17, with the strongest tremor occurring just hours before the alert level was raised. A small eruption occurred on July 22, the first in 22 years, followed by minor eruptions in early August.
