Tokyo: A small volcanic eruption at a popular Japanese resort not far from Tokyo on Tuesday prompted authorities to further restrict access to the area, warning of the chance of more eruptions, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. On May 6, the agency issued a warning for the Owakudani crater and surrounding areas, raising the volcanic alert level from one to 2 to restrict people from approaching the crater.
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The agency said ash deposits at the volcano in Kanagawa prefecture indicated a small-scale eruption occurred between Monday evening and Tuesday. However, geological research has showed that Hakoneyama has not erupted since around the 13th century.
However, the Agency stopped short of describing the latest activity as an eruption.
In response to lifting of the alert level, the town of Hakone expanded the scope of its evacuation advisory from about 300 meters of the center of Owakudani to 1,000 meters.
On Monday, a volcanic oscillation, which is a sign of underground movement of magma and hot water, continued for five minutes from 7:32 a.m. for the first time since late April, when Mount Hakone’s hot spring district started to actively vent steam.
“I’m scared because I’ve never experienced an quake or volcano (eruption) in China”, said a 25-year-old female tourist from China.
“I thought (the volcanic activity) was starting to calm down so I’m disappointed”, said Kiyohiko Yuzurihara of Hakone’s tourism association, adding it will place priority on securing the safety of visitors and local residents.
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No atmospheric disturbance caused by a volcanic eruption had occurred, according to gauges.
