NHK has learned that Japan’s Cabinet Office and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will jointly study measures to take in the event of a massive eruption of Mount Fuji and large amounts of ash falling across wide areas. Tokyo will be used as a case study due to its population density.
A large-scale eruption of Mt. Fuji, equivalent to the one that occurred in 1707, could blanket wide areas of Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture and elsewhere with several to 10 centimeters or more of ash, depending on wind directions. Experts say this could halt public transportation and hinder businesses such as logistics.
A national guideline says people in areas with ash accumulation of 30 centimeters or more need to evacuate.
Those in areas with less than 30 centimeters of ash should shelter at home or in other places.
The Cabinet Office and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will look into how to sustain urban functions in the event of ash fall and accumulation.
They will soon set up a council together with railway, telecommunications operators and other related organizations to discuss contingencies.
The council will discuss ways to use volcanic ash forecasts in planning the suspension of train operations and asking people to refrain from venturing outdoors.
It will also look into what needs to be stockpiled, assuming a prolonged impact on key infrastructure, and how to dispose of accumulated ash. The council plans to reflect the outcome of its discussions in national guidelines.
AloJapan.com