Weather agency warns of slides on Mt. Usu

Weather agency warns of slides on Mt. Usu

HAKODATE, Japan - Hot mudflows gushing out of craters near Mt. Kompira, which is part of Mt. Usu, reach the town of Abuta, west of the peak, destroying a bridge (center) there April 11. A local observatory of the Meteorological Agency maintained its call for people near the volcano in southwestern Hokkaido to stay alert for possible mud and rock slides.

Mt. Usu continues releasing smoke

Mt. Usu continues releasing smoke

TOYA, Japan - Smoke rises from a crater at Mt. Kompira, part of the Mt. Usu volcano, near the Lake Toya hot-spring resort, on April 6. Scientists are warning that a powerful eruption could soon occur at the mountain. Mt. Usu has been emitting smoke and ash since March 31, when it erupted after a 23-year sleep.

Mudslides observed on Mt. Kompira

Mudslides observed on Mt. Kompira

SAPPORO, Japan - Mudslides flow toward Lake Toya from the foot of Mt. Kompira, part of Mt. Usu in southwestern Hokkaido, on April 5. Experts said several craters on Mt. Kompira are believed to be newly formed.

Weather agency warns of slides on Mt. Usu

Weather agency warns of slides on Mt. Usu

HAKODATE, Japan - Hot mudflows gushing out of craters near Mt. Kompira, which is part of Mt. Usu, reach the town of Abuta, west of the peak, destroying a bridge (center) there April 11. A local observatory of the Meteorological Agency maintained its call for people near the volcano in southwestern Hokkaido to stay alert for possible mud and rock slides.

Mudslides observed on Mt. Kompira

Mudslides observed on Mt. Kompira

SAPPORO, Japan - Mudslides flow toward Lake Toya from the foot of Mt. Kompira, part of Mt. Usu in southwestern Hokkaido, on April 5. Experts said several craters on Mt. Kompira are believed to be newly formed.