Though Mount Fuji was the last time to erupt in 1707, the towering giant is still an active volcano. The volcano sometimes goes through periods of activity that can cause several hundred tremors a month after the previous eruption more than 300 years ago, Reuters said.
Users on social media recently shared their concern about the “unusual behavior” displayed by the volcano.
Netizens in Japan have shown concern about the lack of snow on Mount Fuji, even though the cold weather at this time of the year, according to numerous Mount Fuji tweets taken in the last two weeks.
What makes December one of the best months to observe Mount Fuji is also the classic snow cap. Here’s what Live Japan said regarding this topic: “Mount Fuji during winter is stunningly beautiful, coated in pure white snow, and visible even from far away thanks to the dry air.”
Contrary to what is usually seen, this is what the residents of Japan experience now:
From a plane, it can be seen that one side of Mount. Fuji has more snow than the other, and it did not have the iconic snow cap that it always has.
A Mount Fuji eruption could cause up to ¥2.5 trillion in damage, according to the Japan Times.
If that happens, public utilities, telecommunications, and transport networks might be disrupted.
In fact, as the ash is inhaled, the eruption may also cause health issues.
Although experts suggest that the timing of the next eruption is uncertain, Kyoto University volcanology professor Hiroki Kamata feels that the situation is urgent.
Kamata told the Japan Times earlier this year that “Mount Fuji is on standby for the next eruption,” citing that the volcano may be unstable after an earthquake that hit in 2011.
However, Takayoshi Iwata, director of the Center for Integrated Science and Natural Hazards Education at Shizuoka University, pointed out that eruptions might not always be associated with earthquakes.
As of now, inhabitants of Japan are advised to keep an eye for Mount. Fuji – once seen so beautiful and peaceful has now turned into something alarming.
Source: @Jostar_Producer, Japan Times, Reuters, Live Japan, Mothership