Kumamoto - Japan's weather agency raised the volcanic alert level for Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture from Level 2 to Level 3 on August 14 after volcanic tremors strengthened and gas emissions increased sharply, warning people to stay away from areas within about 2 kilometers of the Nakadake No. 1 crater.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said large volcanic rocks measuring about 20 to 30 centimeters could be thrown from the crater and pyroclastic flows could reach areas within roughly 2 kilometers.
Level 3 of Japan's five-level volcanic alert system restricts entry to the mountain and other dangerous areas.
"Please follow instructions from local authorities and never enter hazardous areas," said Takashi Fuji, head of the agency's Volcanic Observation Division.
At Mount Aso, the amplitude of volcanic tremors, which are continuous slight vibrations associated with volcanic activity, has been increasing since the night of August 12.
A field survey conducted on August 14 also confirmed a sharp increase in the amount of volcanic gas being released, according to the agency.
The agency said there was no clear evidence linking the increased volcanic activity to the Kumamoto earthquake on July 28.
Officials noted that volcanic activity at Mount Aso had already been intensifying before the earthquake and said there was "no clear data indicating an influence from the earthquake."
Source: TBS
