Japanese authorities have released a video generated by artificial intelligence, showing what an eruption of Mount Fuji might look like.
The sacred mountain, an active volcano located just 60 miles southwest of Japan’s bustling capital, Tokyo, normally erupts every 210 years. But it has been dormant for more than three centuries.
The video shows a large cloud of ash and smoke rising high into the sky over Tokyo, spreading a dark, broad cloud over the city, the Telegraph reports.
It continues with scenes of the capital buried under a thick layer of ash, while a voice warns: “The moment may come without any warning. Since we do not know when Mount Fuji will erupt and cover us with volcanic ash, to protect ourselves and our loved ones, we must arm ourselves with facts.”
The video also warns of the potential health risks facing Tokyo’s 37 million residents: “Volcanic ash consists of fine, jagged particles. Its unique qualities pose many risks to health and society.”
Mount Fuji last erupted in 1707, spewing 850 million cubic meters of volcanic material over 16 days.
Earlier this year, a panel of experts warned that an explosion could generate up to 490 million cubic meters of debris, most of which would end up in Tokyo in just over an hour.
AloJapan.com