Mt. Meakan Erupts in Hokkaido: JMA Maintains Level 2 Alert Amid Increased Volcanic Activity
On the morning of the 8th, an eruption occurred from the Ponmachineshiri crater of Mt. Meakan in Hokkaido. The volcanic plume reached approximately 100 meters above the crater and was observed flowing southeast. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is maintaining Volcanic Alert Level 2 (restriction around the crater) and is urging caution against large ballistic projectiles within a 500-meter radius of the crater. The eruption occurred around 9:15 AM and was still confirmed to be ongoing as of 10:00 AM. So far, no reports of significant ballistic projectiles or property damage have been received. While some local residents reported seeing plumes of smoke billowing from their windows, others calmly described it as a relatively minor eruption, saying things like, "It's definitely erupting, but it's small." Additionally, some residents have reported experiencing headaches, possibly due to the eruption. This eruption marks the first in approximately four and a half month...