Mount Tokachi faces increased risk of large-scale eruption

The Government Volcanic Research Committee has warned that the possibility of a large-scale eruption at Mount Tokachi in Hokkaido is increasing. On September 16, Committee Chair Hiroshi Shimizu stated that while the immediacy of an eruption may not be high, the potential for a significant event is rising.

Following small-scale eruptions in July and August, along with increased volcanic earthquakes, the Japan Meteorological Agency raised the eruption alert level to 3 on September 12, which includes restrictions on mountain entry. Analysis suggests that magma may be accumulating near the deep layers of the volcano.

Historical data notes that a major eruption occurred at Mount Tokachi approximately 100 years ago during a period of heavy snow, resulting in 144 deaths or missing persons due to volcanic mudflows caused by melting snow.