A panel of Japanese experts convened by the Cabinet Office has released comprehensive guidelines for residents in the Greater Tokyo Area, outlining safety measures in the event of a Mount Fuji eruption. The recommendations emphasize staying indoors unless ashfall becomes severe, and stress the importance of emergency preparedness for the region’s over 44 million inhabitants.
The expert panel advises residents to remain indoors during ashfall to minimize health risks and maintain public order. The guidelines state that those residing in wooden houses, or near such structures, should consider evacuation only if ash accumulation exceeds 30 centimeters, due to the potential for structural collapse under the combined weight of ash and rain.
In less severe ashfall scenarios, while large buildings may sustain damage, the priority remains to shelter in place. The panel underscores that evacuation should be a last resort, primarily when there’s an imminent threat to life.
The guidelines highlight the necessity for both municipalities and households to maintain emergency supplies, including food and water. Ashfall could disrupt supply chains, making self-sufficiency crucial in the immediate aftermath of an eruption.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential power outages and communication disruptions, especially if ash mixes with rain, which can exacerbate infrastructure damage. The quality of water sources may deteriorate, and ash-covered roads could become impassable, hindering emergency response efforts.
Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters, is Japan’s highest peak and an active volcano. Its last eruption, known as the Hōei eruption, occurred in 1707 and lasted until 1708. This event deposited ash as far as Edo (now Tokyo), approximately 100 kilometers away, causing significant agricultural damage and contributing to food shortages.
Historically, Mount Fuji has erupted more than 15 times since 781, with varying degrees of impact. The volcano’s activity has shaped its current form, characterized by overlapping volcanic structures. Despite its dormancy since the early 18th century, Mount Fuji remains closely monitored due to its potential for future activity.
In a worst-case scenario, experts predict that a massive eruption could deposit over 30 centimeters of ash on Tokyo. Such an accumulation poses severe risks, including the collapse of wooden structures, especially when combined with rainfall. Even smaller amounts of ash can cause significant disruptions:
- Infrastructure Damage: Ash can compromise the integrity of buildings, particularly large structures like school gymnasiums, which often serve as evacuation centers.
- Transportation Disruptions: Ash-covered roads become hazardous, limiting vehicle movement and hindering emergency services. Air travel may also be affected due to reduced visibility and engine hazards.
- Health Concerns: Inhalation of volcanic ash can lead to respiratory issues. The guidelines recommend using masks and ensuring indoor air quality to mitigate health risks.
The Cabinet Office plans to use these guidelines to assist local governments and businesses in developing detailed response strategies. Communities are encouraged to engage in disaster preparedness activities, including drills and public education campaigns, to ensure readiness.
The panel emphasizes that these guidelines are precautionary and do not indicate an imminent eruption. Continuous monitoring of Mount Fuji is in place to provide early warnings and updates to the public.
While Mount Fuji has remained dormant for over three centuries, the potential for future eruptions necessitates preparedness. The newly issued guidelines serve as a proactive measure to safeguard lives and infrastructure, ensuring that residents of the Greater Tokyo Area are equipped to respond effectively in the event of volcanic activity.
