Japan's Meteorological Agency is developing a more advanced prediction system to forecast the widespread spread of volcanic ash, particularly in preparation for a potential eruption of Mount Fuji.
The system aims to anticipate ash clouds reaching Tokyo and the surrounding areas, with the possibility of ash accumulation up to 30 centimeters.
Such an event could cause significant damage, including the collapse of homes, transportation disruptions, and power outages in the capital.
The new rapid-response system is expected to be operational within a few years. Historically, Mount Fuji has erupted every 30 years on average over the past 5,600 years.
However, it has remained dormant for over three centuries, with its last eruption occurring on December 16, 1707.
That event, known as the Hoei Eruption, resulted in intermittent ashfall for 16 days, reaching what is now central Tokyo.
It is estimated that about 1.7 billion cubic meters of ash and other materials were expelled during that eruption.
Currently, the Meteorological Agency uses predictions to monitor ashfall but does not account for the large amounts of ash that could accumulate over several hours in a major eruption.
The new system will incorporate these variables, including forecasts for large-scale eruptions from Mount Fuji and other volcanoes.
It will also include plans for ash removal and the restoration of affected infrastructure.
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