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August 26 is Volcano Disaster Prevention Day. Its origins date back to 1911 (Meiji 44), when Japan’s first volcano observatory was established on Mount Asama and observations began. It was re-established this year in the hopes that it would serve as an opportunity to prepare for volcanic disasters. I think there will be more opportunities to climb mountains in the fall, but it may be worth considering that volcanoes can erupt at any time. Mount Zao is an active volcano located in Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures. Okama, a crater lake said to have formed from a former eruption, is one of the prefecture’s top tourist spots. The mountain’s summit is easily accessible by car, and on this day it was crowded with tourists from all over Japan and abroad. Tourist: “It’s amazing. I think it’s a more breathtaking view than I imagined.” “The colors are unique, I think they are created by nature.” Volcanoes are a tourist resource, but they can also be dangerous. This is becoming. Ten years ago, in September 2014, Mount Ontake, located between Nagano and Gifu prefectures, suddenly erupted during the autumn tourist season. It was a sunny Saturday at the time, and many climbers were caught in the eruption zone, which led to a catastrophic disaster that left 58 people dead and 5 missing. To detect these signs of an eruption, the Japan Meteorological Agency monitors volcanoes at four locations across the country. The Regional Volcano Monitoring and Warning Center of the Sendai Regional Meteorological Observatory is responsible for monitoring 12 volcanoes in the Tohoku region. Using highly sensitive cameras and infrared cameras, we monitor the area around the clock for not only eruptions, but also for phenomena such as magma rising near the crater, illuminating the clouds. Takahisa Hirano, forecaster: “What kind of work are you doing now?” Tetsuo Oyama, volcanic disaster prevention specialist, Sendai Regional Meteorological Observatory: “We monitor the waveforms of earthquakes and ask ourselves whether an earthquake has occurred.” “We work by determining whether it is noise or not.” Seismometers and equipment are installed around the volcano to monitor crustal deformation, and by monitoring this data, we can also detect changes occurring underground. Tetsuo Oyama, volcanic disaster prevention specialist, Sendai Regional Meteorological Observatory: “The information will be released based on a comprehensive assessment of factors such as the number of earthquakes that have increased and whether there is any movement causing the mountain to bulge.” Currently, the Japan Meteorological Agency sets a “volcanic alert level” for 49 volcanoes across the country, and within the prefecture, Mount Zao and Mount Kurikoma are subject to this level. The levels are set according to the level of volcanic activity, from “Level 1,” which is calm, to “Level 5,” which is the most dangerous. Currently, all volcanoes in the Tohoku region are at level 1, but Mount Iwate is showing crustal deformation indicating expansion of the mountain body, and depending on future activity, the level may be raised to level 2. On the other hand, as for volcanoes in Miyagi Prefecture… Tetsuo Oyama, Volcanic Disaster Prevention Specialist, Sendai Regional Meteorological Observatory: “The situation in Zao and Kurikoma continues to be calm.” However, we must keep in mind that even in a calm state, they are still active volcanoes. During the eruption of Mount Ontake 10 years ago, there was a tendency for the number of volcanic earthquakes to increase, but the level did not increase and the eruption continued at “Level 1.” Tetsuo Oyama, a volcanic disaster prevention specialist at the Sendai Regional Meteorological Observatory: “Sometimes an eruption occurs suddenly without much warning, so it may be difficult to provide advance warning in this case.” Measures are being taken to prevent such sudden eruptions. In the event of an eruption, disaster prevention loudspeakers are first used to inform tourists of the eruption, and then they are asked to evacuate to a safer place on the premises of a rest house. In addition, a disaster prevention warehouse has been set up near the rest house, where a large number of items such as helmets, drinking water, and canned biscuits are stored. In addition, there are measures for serious climbers. Meteorologist Takahisa Hirano: “This is an evacuation hut near the summit of Mount Kattadake. It is made of concrete and paved with stones, so it is designed to withstand a certain amount of volcanic blocks.” The shelter can accommodate about 15 adults. In addition to helmets, drinking water and dust masks, the evacuation hut is equipped with kerosene and a stove for winter climbing and can be used as a temporary evacuation site. Miyagi Prefecture has built three of these evacuation huts to prepare for sudden eruptions and bad weather. Tetsuo Oyama, volcanic disaster prevention specialist, Sendai Regional Meteorological Observatory: “Before climbing a mountain, please check whether the mountain is an active volcano. The Japan Meteorological Agency website has a page that informs you of the current status of each volcano. If you are planning to climb a volcano, please check this page to find out the status of the mountain and whether there is any information being released at the moment. First, check the activity status of the volcano you are planning to climb and where to find it. emergency evacuation locations, I think it is important to do thorough research in advance. A “volcanic disaster prevention map” has been created for Mount Zao. It shows the area where volcanic debris and volcanic ash are expected to fly if it erupts. A similar disaster prevention map has been created for Mount Kurikoma. Zao is posted on the Miyagi Prefecture homepage, and Mount Kurikoma is posted on the Iwate Prefecture homepage, so please take a look. Also, the Japan Meteorological Agency website has a volcano climbing guide. Here is an example of the contents… Have you sent a mountain climbing notice? Prepare your helmet. Do not enter dangerous areas. If an eruption occurs, hide behind a rock. Information can also be accessed on smartphones. You never know what will happen at any given time… I hope you enjoy mountaineering during the autumn tourist season with this in mind.
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