Japan's Four-Stage Mount Fuji Eruption Plan Unveiled

A Japanese government panel has developed a four-stage evacuation plan in anticipation of a potential large-scale eruption of Mount Fuji, which last erupted in 1707. Residents in areas projected to receive 30 centimeters or more of ashfall, categorized as Stage 4, will be urged to evacuate due to the risk of infrastructure collapse, especially wooden structures. Areas with 3 to 30 centimeters of ashfall, classified as Stage 3, should prepare for power outages and store at least a week's worth of supplies. The panel advises that in less severe stages, residents should remain at home to avoid large-scale evacuations in densely populated areas. Local governments are tasked with establishing effective communication and evacuation routes, and Shizuoka Prefecture plans to incorporate these findings into its evacuation framework. Overall, the plan emphasizes preparedness to minimize disruption to daily life and economic activity.