GUNMA, Aug 05 (News On Japan) - The Japan Meteorological Agency has raised the volcanic alert level for the area around Mt. Shirane and the Yugama crater on the Gunma side of Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane to Level 2, restricting access near the crater due to an increase in volcanic earthquakes.
Volcanic activity has intensified since the afternoon of August 3rd, prompting the agency to raise the alert level before 6 a.m. on August 4th from Level 1, which advises awareness of an active volcano, to Level 2, which restricts entry near the crater.
Authorities warn that within approximately one kilometer of the Yugama crater, there is a risk of large volcanic rocks being ejected.
Following the elevation of the alert level, a section of the Shiga Kusatsu Road—connecting Gunma and Nagano prefectures—has been closed to traffic between Manza-sansaro and Sessho, affecting travel in the region.
Source: TBS