In a recent move, the Japanese government has released new guidelines on how residents should respond if Mount Fuji erupts and causes volcanic ash to cover the Tokyo metropolitan area. The guidelines, released by an expert panel on Friday, aim to prevent panic and ensure safety during such an event.
According to the experts, residents living in wooden houses or near such buildings must evacuate only if the ashfall exceeds 30 centimeters. This recommendation comes due to the risk that the combined weight of ash and rain may cause structures to collapse.
The guidelines were developed following instructions from the Cabinet Office, which tasked the panel with assessing the possible consequences of a Mount Fuji eruption. The goal is to create countermeasures for a potential disaster. This marks the first time the government has issued such specific instructions for residents in the event of an eruption.
The panel identified four stages of severity based on ashfall. Stage 1 occurs when ash is less than 3 cm. Stage 4 happens when ash exceeds 30 cm. In the first three stages, experts believe that ashfall poses minimal risk to people working outdoors. However, prolonged exposure may lead to throat and eye issues.
Therefore, the panel advises residents to stay home during the first three stages and avoid nonessential outings. If leaving the house is necessary, they should wear goggles and masks. People with respiratory issues must take additional precautions. Additionally, visibility may be compromised due to the ash, so driving is strongly discouraged.
The panel also emphasized the importance of stocking up on emergency supplies. While people are generally advised to store a week’s worth of supplies for earthquakes, the panel recommends going beyond this. Mount Fuji’s last eruption in 1707 lasted two weeks. This highlights the need for extended preparation.
In Stage 4, essential services like power, water, and cellphone reception are likely to be disrupted. Therefore, residents should prepare for possible interruptions. Furthermore, the experts highlighted the importance of planning for the disposal of ash. They suggest using it in construction, placing it in landfills, or, as an emergency measure, discarding it into the ocean.
In preparation for an eruption, the panel urges the government to ensure that residents are aware of how such an event would impact them. Experts in volcanic disaster relief should be trained to handle future challenges. This proactive approach will help the country prepare for any potential eruption.
Overall, the government’s new guidelines focus on safety and preparedness. Residents are encouraged to follow the expert panel’s recommendations to mitigate risks associated with a Mount Fuji eruption.
