Asia-Pacific
Alert level rises for volcano near Yokota Air Base
Stars and Stripes
June 12, 2015
Mount Asama, an active volcano about 65 miles northwest of Yokota Air Base, Japan, is seen in this satellite image taken on the morning of Feb. 11, 2009, days after it last erupted. (NASA.gov)
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — The volcanic alert level for Mount Asama, about 65 miles northwest of Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, was raised Thursday by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Mount Asama, an 8,425-foot peak, is among Japan’s most active volcanoes.
The alert was raised to Level 2, which advises against approaching the volcano’s crater. Level 3 warns against approaching the entire volcano, and Level 4 asks people to prepare for evacuation. The highest threat level — 5 — signals an evacuation.
Mount Asama last erupted in early February 2009, killing a number of hikers and covering Yokota’s streets, buildings and vehicles with a film of volcanic ash.