Mount Fuji hasn’t erupted since 1707. But for Volcanic Disaster Preparedness Day, Japanese officials have released computer- and artificial intelligence-generated videos showing a simulation of a potential violent eruption of the active volcano.
The videos, released this week, are meant to prepare the 37 million residents in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area for potential disasters.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s video warns an eruption could strike “at any moment, without warning,” depicting volcanic ash shrouding central Tokyo, about 100km away, within hours, paralysing transportation, disrupting food and power, and causing long-term respiratory problems.
The video ends with the message: “We need to arm ourselves with facts and prepare for disaster in our daily lives.”
The Tokyo government said in a statement that there are currently no signs of Fuji erupting.
“The simulation is designed to equip residents with accurate knowledge and preparedness measures they can take in case of an emergency,” it explained.
But the videos have caused anxiety and confusion among some residents.
“Are there actually any signs of eruption?” said Shinichiro Kariya, a 57-year-old hospital employee.
“Why are we hearing things like ‘10cm of ash could fall’, even in Tokyo? I’m wondering why this is happening all of a sudden.”
Hiromi Ooki, who lives in Mishima City, which has prime views of Fuji, said she planned to buy emergency supplies the next day.
“Nature’s power is so great that maybe it’s better if it scares us a little,” she said.
University of Tokyo professor and risk communication expert Naoya Sekiya said the government has for years modelled scenarios for volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, but added that does not mean Fuji is about to erupt.
“There’s no particular significance to the timing,” Sekiya said. — AP
AloJapan.com