【十勝岳】噴火警戒レベル12年ぶりに「2」へ引き上げ―火口周辺1.5km立ち入り規制…登山道閉鎖も“火山ガス”増加で専門家が注意喚起 〈北海道〉

Ahead of the summer climbing season, the eruption alert level for Mount Tokachi was raised to "2" on June 18th. What precautions should we take? The Blue Pond in Biei Town is a popular tourist destination. The lavender fields in Kamifurano Town will soon be in bloom. Mount Tokachi rises to the east of Biei and Kamifurano Towns. On the 18th, the meteorological observatory raised the eruption alert level for Mount Tokachi from "1" to "2" for the first time in 12 years, citing increased volcanic activity. "Volcanic activity is increasing, and there is a possibility of an eruption affecting an area of ​​approximately 1.5 kilometers from the crater," (Yuji Takahashi, Volcanic Countermeasures Coordinator, Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory). Mount Tokachi will open for climbing in three days, but access will be restricted within a 1.5-kilometer radius of the crater. In Biei, Kamifurano, and Shintoku towns in Tokachi, where hiking trails to Mount Tokachi are located, some trails have been closed and warning signs have been erected. Hikers who visited without knowing the alert level had risen to Level 2 said… "I wonder if we can't reach the summit?" "The volcanic smoke is so strong, you can smell it even when you drive here." (Both hikers from Gunma Prefecture) Mount Tokachi has been erupting in cycles of approximately 30 years. Professor Aoyama of Hokkaido University is particularly concerned about the increasing amount of volcanic gas at Mount Tokachi. "Mount Tokachi has been emitting extremely high levels of volcanic gas since late April. Over 1,000 tons of sulfur dioxide are being released daily, with a very strong, pungent odor that is harmful to health. The thermal activity around the crater remains high, so overall, we believe the volcanic activity is increasing," (Professor Yutaka Aoyama, Hokkaido University Earthquake and Volcano Research Observation Center). While residential areas, tourist attractions, and hot springs are not currently affected, what precautions should be taken in the future? "It would be beneficial for residents to pay attention to the mountain's condition and to review evacuation routes and emergency procedures," (Professor Aoyama). The eruption alert level for Mount Tokachi has been raised to "2." With the mountain opening just around the corner, hiking trails are closed. The restrictions apply to a 1.5km radius around the crater known as "62-2 Crater" on Mount Tokachi. Hiking trails passing through this area have been closed since the 18th. The surrounding area includes hot spring resorts such as Shirogane Onsen, Fukiage Onsen, and Tokachidake Onsen, as well as popular tourist spots like the "Blue Pond," which is a favorite among international visitors. However, at this time, these areas are not affected. Furthermore, the town of Kamifurano, where many people live, is approximately 15 km away from the crater and is also unaffected at this time. While excessive concern is not necessary, especially as the tourist season is about to begin, it is impossible to predict when volcanic activity might change. It is important for tourists and residents in the surrounding area to confirm evacuation routes and procedures in advance. Continued vigilance regarding volcanic activity is necessary.