Japan raises Mt. Tokachi alert to level 3 amid growing eruption risk

Japan’s weather authority elevated the volcanic alert for Mt. Tokachi on the island of Hokkaido to level 3 on a five-point scale, restricting all access to the mountain. The step up from level 2 follows an increase in sizable earthquakes near the volcano and continued ground swelling observed since March. Officials warned that an eruption could affect areas within roughly three kilometres of the crater, potentially showering ash and small rocks on nearby communities including Furano, Biei, Kamifurano, Minamifurano and Shintoku.

Volcanic gas output has risen since April, and the volcano produced minor eruptions in July and August, marking the first such activity since February 2004. In response, the government established an information liaison office within the prime minister’s crisis management centre to streamline communications. This is the first time Mt. Tokachi has received a level-3 alert, reflecting growing concern over its eruptive potential.