Volcanic Warnings
Disaster Prevention for the Kirishima Mountains / Volcanic Warnings & Alert Levels
Kirishima Mountains Disaster Prevention Map
Purpose
The Kirishima Mountains Disaster Prevention Map was created to help protect the lives of people and protect resources from the danger of a volcanic eruption of the Kirishima Mountains for the communities living around the mountains (Miyakonojo-shi, Takaharu-cho, Kobayashi-shi, Ebino-shi, Yusui-cho, Kirishima-shi, Soo-shi).
Inquiries
Those who need a copy of the map should inquire at the Crisis Management Division of Miyakonojo City Hall, the Regional Promotion Divisions of one of the city's branch offices, or one of the regional citizens' centers.
Front side of the map
Volcano Disaster Prevention Map – Front (Japanese only)
This side of the map includes:
- No-entry zones during Volcanic Warnings
- History of eruptions and major volcanic activity
- Explanation of Volcanic Warnings and Volcanic Forecasts
Back side of the map
Volcano Disaster Prevention Map – Back (Japanese only)
This side of the map includes:
- Areas expected to be damaged by a large-scale eruption (for each volcano)
- Phenomena that occur during an eruption (Editor: Associate Professor Imura, Kagoshima University)
Volcanic Warnings and Volcanic Alert Levels for the Kirishima Mountains (Mt. Ohachi, Mt. Shinmoedake)
The Kirishima Mountains are a cluster of active volcanoes.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), in order to reduce damage from volcanic eruptions, began issuing eruption forecasts on December 1st, 2007.
For detailed information regarding volcanic warnings and volcanic alert levels, please see the JMA's informative PDF: Volcanic Warnings and Volcanic Alert Levels (external link, English).
Volcanic warnings (funka keiho) specify the area that is affected such as “around the crater" (Near-Crater Warnings) or "residential areas" (Volcanic Warnings).
Volcanic alert levels (funka keikai) indicate actions that should be taken during an eruption such as restrictions on mountain climbing or entering the mountain area or evacuation information for residential areas in order to protect the lives of residents and mountaineers by raising the level of alertness.
Volcanic warnings and forecasts are spread to residents by the local municipalities and mass media.