The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has released a video generated by Mount Fuji's artificial intelligence to raise awareness about what will happen to the Japanese capital if an eruption occurs.
This is the first time officials have used AI to raise awareness and educate people about the potential consequences of the Mount Fuji eruption.
The Ash begins to fall into Tokyo 1-2 hours after the first eruption, and is predicted to have accumulating 2-10cm. When the volcano last erupted in 1707, the explosion and subsequent ashes decay lasted for two weeks.
In this video we see the capital covered in polluted smog, showing a giant grey mushroom cloud with the Tokyo skyline in the background. The capital's famous Shibuya area is seen covered in ashes as pedestrians travel along the familiar streets.
The video explains that if a volcanic eruption occurs, ash is expected to begin falling into Tokyo about 1-2 hours after the initial eruption. It is expected that at least 2-10cm of ash will accumulate.
“Volcan ash is made up of fine, jagged particles. Its unique quality poses many dangers to health and society,” the video says.
The three-minute simulation video shows that the ashes from trains and runways are extremely effective in Tokyo's transportation systems, as they shut down public transport such as trains and planes.
According to guidelines released by a panel of government experts, if Mount Fuji erupted Tokyo with ash in March this year, residents were encouraged to avoid panic and stock up on groceries.
Evacuation is only recommended, especially if ash accumulates above 30cm near wooden buildings that are at risk of collapse, the government's new guidelines say.
Experts have studied the impact of the Mt. Fuji eruption on Tokyo and have developed guidelines based on the government's requirements to prepare countermeasures. These are the first detailed guidelines for residents, and the government will share with ministries and prefectures for disaster relief.
Experts say Mount Fuji does not show any signs of an imminent eruption, but authorities are closely monitoring it as it is considered a dormant volcano rather than an extinction.
Professor Takeshi Sagiya of Nagoya University said: South China Morning Post That volcanic ash can lead to many unexpected problems. He explained that volcanic ash is made from small pieces of melted rock that resemble fine glass powder.
Experts recommend that the government find a place to store the ashes temporarily to support relief efforts. They suggest using ashes during construction, placing them in landfills, and throwing them into the ocean if necessary. They also emphasized the need to educate residents about the effects of the eruption, and the need to train more volcanic disaster relief experts.
