Hokkaido's Mt. Tokachi Alert Raised to Level 3, Entry Restricted

The Japan Meteorological Agency raised the volcanic alert level for Mt. Tokachi in Hokkaido to 3 on a scale of 5 at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, restricting entry to the mountain after a series of large volcanic earthquakes.

Five Large Quakes Prompt Upgrade

The agency's Sapporo Regional Headquarters said seismographs installed on the mountain have detected volcanic earthquakes with large amplitudes since August 17. The largest tremor in the recent series was recorded at around 8:20 a.m. on Saturday.

The latest tremor brought the total number of large-amplitude volcanic earthquakes since August to five, meeting the criteria for raising the alert level from 2 to 3. Level 2 had restricted access to the crater, while Level 3 restricts entry to the entire mountain.

Eruption Warning Within 3 Kilometers

With the upgrade, the agency warned that an eruption could occur, affecting areas within around 3 kilometers of the crater. Officials urged people to be on alert for large volcanic rocks in these zones.

They also cautioned that volcanic ash and small rocks could be blown far by winds and fall over areas on the downwind side of the volcano.

A Year of Heightened Volcanic Activity

Volcanic activity at Mt. Tokachi has increased this year, including a rise in volcanic gas emissions. The alert level was raised to 2 in June, and a minor eruption occurred in July.

Officials Urge Caution

Speaking at a news conference, an agency official called on people to check information released by the agency and local municipalities and to stay away from dangerous areas.

He said he believes the volcanic tremors with large amplitudes have occurred as magmatic materials accumulated underground.