Photo/Illutration Mount Fuji (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Climbers will be urged to leave Mount Fuji immediately when scientists detect signs of a volcanic eruption under a new evacuation plan published on March 29.

Residents will be asked to evacuate on foot rather than by car when lava flows approach to avoid traffic congestion that could worsen the emergency situation.

The plan was made by authorities including government agencies and the three most vulnerable prefectures: Yamanashi, Shizuoka and Kanagawa.

The new plan reflects a 2021 update on volcanic hazard maps of the country’s tallest mountain, which is 3,776 meters high. 

In the update, 116,000 people, seven times more than previously estimated, were identified as residing in hazard zones where lava flows could reach within three hours of an eruption. 

Hikers at Mount Fuji’s fifth station or higher will be instructed to descend from the mountain when the Japan Meteorological Agency issues an alert indicating non-threatening but unusual volcanic activity.

In that case, trekkers will have to leave the mountain even when the agency’s one-to-five scale volcanic alert system indicates the lowest Level 1.

Tourists in lower-risk zones will also be asked to evacuate before the agency declares a Level 3, when visits to the mountain will be restricted.

Although iconic Mount Fuji has not erupted for more than 300 years, the last time in 1707, volcanologists and officials are calling for improved disaster preparedness and evacuation plans.

Related News