Fuji eruption could cut power to key Japanese infrastructure

A potential eruption of Mount Fuji volcano could leave critical infrastructure in Japan without electricity and disable backup generators.

Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, working with scientists from the Yamanashi Prefectural Research Institute and generator manufacturers, conducted experiments to assess the impact of volcanic ash on diesel generators. 

Experts found that when ash accumulation exceeds 7 cm, generator oil pressure drops, and at 27.5 cm, the equipment stops functioning entirely.

Japanese government calculations estimate that an eruption could deposit around 10 cm of ash in Tokyo within two weeks. 

Overall, up to 490 million cubic meters of volcanic ash could fall on the capital, potentially leaving approximately 400,000 households in Tokyo and surrounding areas without electricity.

By Jeyhun Aghazada