Volcanic Activity Intensifies in Kyushu, Japan — Mount Aso Alert Level Raised to 2 | WPN World People News

On July 4, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that volcanic activity at Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture has intensified, prompting an upgrade of its eruption alert level from Level 1 ("Be aware that this is an active volcano") to Level 2 ("Entry restricted around the crater"). This marks the first time since July 19, 2024, that the alert level for Mount Aso has been raised to Level 2.

The alert level was adjusted due to an increase in volcanic tremor amplitude at the Nakadake crater of Mount Aso. The Meteorological Agency has urged people to stay cautious within a 1-kilometer radius of the first crater of Nakadake, warning of the potential for large volcanic rocks and pyroclastic flows in the event of an eruption. Affected areas include Aso City and Minamiaso Village in Kumamoto Prefecture. Although there are local concerns that this measure could impact tourism, Taiwanese travel agencies have stated that unless there is a major eruption, most travelers from Taiwan are likely to remain unfazed.

Meanwhile, the Shinmoedake volcano, located on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, has also been erupting frequently in recent days. On July 3, it emitted an ash plume reaching 5,000 meters into the sky — the highest since 2018 — prompting an elevation of its alert level to 3. The ongoing activity at Shinmoedake has led to the cancellation of multiple flights at Kagoshima Airport, significantly disrupting local life.

In addition to the volcanic activity, a series of earthquakes has been recorded off the coast of the Tokara Islands near Kagoshima. Between June 21 and 11:00 a.m. on July 4, there were 1,180 quakes measuring magnitude 1 or higher. However, these seismic events are believed to be unrelated to the ongoing eruptions at Shinmoedake.