AP: Japan warns of eruptions at volcano
Central Japan's Mount Asama volcano is in danger of erupting, the country's Meteorological Agency warned Sunday after detecting an increase in seismic activity. The agency raised the alert level, urging residents nearby to take caution. "Mount Asama could erupt within two days, spewing rocks and ash. We are carefully monitoring its seismic activity," said agency official Sadayuki Kitagawa. Located about 90 miles northwest of Tokyo, Asama is one of the nation's most active volcanoes. Its last major eruption took place in September 2004, the agency said. An eruption of the 8,425-foot-high volcano could shoot rocks and ash in a 2.5-mile radius. While no one lives in that danger zone, some 45,000 other nearby residents may have to evacuate as a precaution, police said. Sunday's alert level was raised to three, urging awareness and caution. Alert level four advises residents to prepare for evacuation, while level five, the highest, orders evacuation, according to the agency...more...
Thar she blows! Video link here.
