Small Eruption Occurs at Mt. Tokachi in Hokkaido, Japan... First Since 2004

A small volcanic eruption occurred today at Mt. Tokachi, an active volcano in Japan's Hokkaido, according to local meteorological authorities.

The Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory reported that an eruption took place at Mt. Tokachi at 11:07 a.m. today, sending black smoke billowing about 200 meters into the air.

This marks the first observed eruption at Mt. Tokachi in approximately 22 years, since February 2004.

Along with the eruption, volcanic tremors were recorded for about 45 seconds.

Volcanic tremors are continuous micro-vibrations generated when magma, volcanic gases, hot water, and other materials pass through conduits beneath a volcano.

The meteorological observatory advised people to watch out for large volcanic rocks ejected during an eruption within a roughly 1.5-kilometer radius of the crater, and to refrain from entering hazardous areas in accordance with instructions from local governments and other authorities.

No reports of flying large volcanic rocks, casualties, or property damage have been received so far.

Authorities believe small eruptions could repeatedly occur going forward, and decided to maintain the volcanic alert level at Level 2, which restricts entry around the crater.

Mt. Tokachi has shown active signs of volcanic unrest since March of this year, including crustal deformation, increased volcanic gas emissions, and seismic activity around the crater.

Consequently, the meteorological agency raised the volcanic alert level from Level 1, which advises mindfulness that the mountain is an active volcano, to Level 2 in June.

(Photo: Capture from the Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory website, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.