Mount Aso volcanic alert raised in Japan

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has raised the volcanic alert level for Mount Aso to level three of five. This decision follows an increase in seismic activity and a confirmed rise in volcanic gas emissions detected since Wednesday.

The alert restricts access to the mountain within a two-kilometer radius due to the risk of pyroclastic flows and volcanic rock projections. Mount Aso, standing approximately 1,600 meters high, is located in the Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu.

In response to the heightened activity, the administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the establishment of a dedicated information office regarding Mount Aso's volcanic activity to improve communication between government agencies.