Tokyo city illuminated at sunset
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An AI-generated video released by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government shows the impact of a larger volcanic eruption of Fuji-san on the city’s infrastructure. The simulation, part of disaster preparedness week, is based on previous eruptions of the 3,776-meters-high active stratovolcano.
Common hazards associated with a volcano are of minor concern, as the volcano is located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) away from central Tokyo, posing no imminent danger. Lava produced by stratovolcanoes typically has a high viscosity, traveling only short distances, and pyroclastic flows — avalanches of hot gases and debris — or mudflows can kill people up to a distance of 10 to 20 kilometers (six to twelve miles).
The main risk, as shown in the video, is a thick layer of volcanic ash, paralyzing transportation, disrupting telecommunications and power grids and causing respiratory problems.
Currently there are no signs of Mount Fuji showing unrest or increased volcanic activity. The simulation is designed to equip residents with accurate knowledge and preparedness measures they can take in case of an emergency,” authorities explained.
The video ends with the message,”we need to arm ourselves with facts and prepare for disaster in our daily lives,” instructing people to keep canned food, water, a torch, a first-aid kit and other basic supplies ready at home.
The last historic eruption of Mount Fuji started in December 1707 and lasted until January 1708, when lava and ash erupted from a flank crater on the southeastern side of Mount Fuji. This eruption is well known for the immense ash-fall it produced over eastern Japan, the Tokyo area was covered by 2 to 8 centimeters of ash, killing most plants on the fields and clogging rivers, leading to widespread starvation.
A similar eruption today may impact over 30 million people in the highly populated areas of eastern Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and parts of Yamanashi, Saitama, and Shizuoka prefectures.
AloJapan.com