21 May 2019 | 04:12 AM UTC
Japan: Volcanic alert level raise for Mount Hakone May 19
Authorities increase volcanic alert level for Mount Hakone (Kanagawa prefecture) on May 19, restricting access to the crater and temporarily close some roads
Event
The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) increased the volcanic alert for Mount Hakone (Kanagawa prefecture) from one up to two (on a five-point scale) on Sunday, May 19. Individuals are being warned not to approach the crater of the volcano, and some roads have been temporarily closed as a precaution. JMA decided to raise the alert level after 45 volcanic earthquakes were recorded on Saturday, May 18, compared to none on the previous day. Officials warned that the increase in earthquakes may result in a possible eruption and spread of volcanic cinders.
Context
The last time JMA raised the warning level for Mount Hakone was in 2015, when the level was increased to as high as three, warning people not to approach the volcano.
Advice
Individuals in Kanagawa prefecture are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
