Japan panel drafts response plan for Mount Fuji eruption

A panel of experts convened by Japan’s Cabinet Office has issued new guidelines for over 44 million residents in the region surrounding Mount Fuji, emphasizing the need for preparedness in case of a major volcanic eruption.

The panel advised municipalities and households to maintain emergency supplies, such as food and water, as part of their disaster readiness plans. Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters, last erupted in 1707, but experts warn that a future eruption could have catastrophic consequences.

In the worst-case scenario, an eruption could blanket Tokyo, located about 100 kilometers northeast of the volcano, with up to 30 centimeters (nearly 12 inches) of ash. The report warned that such an accumulation could lead to the collapse of wooden houses, especially if combined with rain, and urged residents in affected areas to evacuate if necessary.

Even in less severe ashfall scenarios, large structures such as school gymnasiums—often used as evacuation centers—could suffer significant damage. The panel recommended that residents remain inside the affected area whenever possible and only evacuate in cases where their homes face severe structural damage.

Ashfall could also disrupt the delivery of essential supplies, making stockpiling crucial. The report noted that power outages, communication breakdowns, and deteriorating water quality are likely, particularly if rain mixes with volcanic ash. Transportation would also be severely affected, as roads covered in ash could become impassable for vehicles.

While the report outlined potential risks and preparedness measures, the experts clarified that it did not predict the timing or scale of Mount Fuji’s next eruption.