About volcanic disaster

There are about 1,500 active volcanoes in the world. Of these, Japan has 110 active volcanoes, making it one of the world's leading volcanoes.
There are no volcanoes in Yokohama, but there are Mount Fuji and Mount Hakone in the surrounding area, and if these volcanoes erupt, they may be damaged by volcanic ash. When you get information such as eruption warnings and forecasts, please take action to protect yourself by referring to the following.

"Eruption of Sakurajima on August 18, 2013" (Provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency)

Volcanic ash is written as "ash", but it is mainly like fine glass pieces formed by magma, and its components and properties are different from ash produced by burning wood and paper. The damage caused by ash fall is expected to be as follows.

・Impacts on the respiratory system, such as sore throat and coughs
・Itching and pain in the eyes
・Skin pain and inflammation

・Damage to houses, etc. caused by volcanic ash solidified containing rainwater
・Traffic accidents caused by slipping, etc., and disruption of transportation
・Damage to agricultural crops
・Damage to electronic devices due to static electricity
・When wet volcanic ash adheres to the base of the transmission equipment, it leaks and a power outage occurs.

To reduce eruption disasters, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued eruption warnings and forecasts.
The eruption warning is a volcanic phenomenon that occurred with the eruption (such as large cinders, pyroclastic flows, snow-melting volcanic mudflow, etc., that reaches the crater or residential area in a short period of time after the occurrence, and there is almost no time delay until evacuation) If the occurrence or its expansion is expected to endanger life, we will clearly indicate the "range that requires caution" (the range that danger to evacuate) will be announced.

From the Japan Meteorological Agency website

We will announce three types of ash fall forecasts (regular time, breaking news, details) according to the user's purpose.
When an eruption occurs, the range and the amount of ash fall up to 6 hours after the eruption will be predicted and notified.

From the Japan Meteorological Agency website

Other weather information about eruptions can be viewed from the Japan Meteorological Agency's website (outside site).

When a volcano such as Mount Fuji erupts, volcanic ash may fall to the city depending on wind direction and other conditions. Take the following actions to protect yourself from volcanic ash:

• Do not inhale volcanic ash by wearing a dust mask.

Volcanic ash is very small, so it goes into the lungs with the air. As a result, it is difficult to breathe. The nose and throat may increase and cause sore throat. Be aware that people with asthma and bronchitis may have coughs like seizures, chest tightness, and breathing may be difficult. Be careful of people who have serious heart diseases.

• If volcanic ash gets into your eyes, don't rub it with your hands. Remove your contact lenses and use your glasses.

When volcanic ash gets into your eyes, it feels itching, pain, and redness in the eyes may occur. There may be blurred eyes and roughness. Be careful if volcanic ash causes scratches on the surface of your eyes, it may cause conjunctivitis, cracks, or dazzling.

• Wear long sleeves, long pants, etc. to protect your skin.

When exposed to volcanic ash, the skin may become inflamed. Be careful as it can cause pain, swelling, or get germs from scratches.

• Beware of traffic accidents.

When volcanic ash falls, the visibility becomes worse, making it difficult to see signs such as pedestrian crossings. If volcanic ash accumulates on the road, it becomes slippery and makes it harder for bicycles and cars to be braked. If you pile up a lot, you will not be able to drive.

• Let's not get ashes in the building.

When you enter the building, wash off your jacket and drop ashes.
When cleaning, cover doors, windows, and vents with tape or moist towels. Lightly damp volcanic ash with water makes it easier to collect.

• Others

Collect and confirm correct information about volcanoes on TV, radio, etc.
In Motoichi, we send information of eruption or alerts using disaster prevention information e-mail and tvk (TV Kanagawa), Twitter.
Yokohama disaster prevention information e-mail introduction page

From the Cabinet Office pamphlet

Links
Japan Meteorological Agency website (outside site)
Kanagawa Prefecture "Disaster Prevention Measures for Volcanoes" (outside site)
Research Institute for Disaster Prevention Science and Technology, "Bookmarks for Local Residents of Volcanic ash" (external site)