Japan: Volcano near nuclear power plant on the verge of eruption.

The Sakujarima volcano near Japan's Sendai nuclear power plant could erupt violently within the next 30 years, threatening the lives of surrounding residents.

Sakurajima Volcano in Japan could erupt violently within the next 30 years. Photo: Sakurajima Volcano Research Center.

In a report on volcanic activity published in Nature on September 13, researchers from the University of Bristol, England, warned that the massive lava flow inside the Sakurajima volcano could trigger a violent eruption similar to the 1914 eruption that killed 58 people, Express reported.

Mount Sakurajima is located on the island of Kyushu, Japan, 49 km from the Sendai nuclear power plant and near the city of Kagoshima, which has a population of 600,000. It frequently erupts ash and experiences several small explosions each year. Sakurajima's most recent eruption was in February of this year.

"There were approximately 1.5 cubic kilometers of lava in the 1914 volcanic eruption. From the data we've gathered, we estimate that it would take 130 years for Sakurajima to accumulate enough lava for an eruption of similar scale. This means we are only about 25 years away from the next eruption," commented Dr. James Hicke of the University of Exeter.

Research shows that the Sakurajima volcano accumulates 14 million cubic meters of lava annually, enough to fill Wembley Stadium in London 3.5 times over. Its lava accumulation rate is faster than the rate of small eruptions. Therefore, researchers predict a major eruption could occur within the next three decades.

They drew their conclusions based on new research methods and simulations of the volcano's lava reservoir. The research team hopes this finding can help local authorities plan for a major eruption.

"If we are warned, we can prepare in advance. Providing the necessary information to local authorities will help save lives if an eruption occurs," said Dr. Hicke.

According to VNE