Volcanoes near the Japanese nuclear power plant are about to explode

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

In a report on volcanic activity in Nature on Sept. 13, researchers at Bristol University, UK, warned that the giant lava flow inside Sakurajima volcano could cause a violent eruption. similar to the 1914 eruption that killed 58 people, Express reported.

Sakurajima volcano, Japan can erupt violently for the next 30 years.(Photo: Sakurajima Volcano Research Center).

Sakurajima volcano is located on Kyushu island, Japan, 49km from Sendai nuclear plant and located near Kagoshima city with 600,000 inhabitants. It regularly sprayed ash and many small explosions each year. The latest eruption of Sakurajima is in February this year.

"There are about 1.5 km ³ lava in the volcanic eruption in 1914. From the data collected, we think it takes 130 years for Sakurajima to accumulate enough lava for a similar scale eruption. We are only about 25 years away from the next eruption, " said Dr. James Hicke, University of Exeter.

The study results showed that Sakurajima volcano accumulated 14 million cubic meters of lava each year, enough to fill 3.5 times Wembley Stadium, London City, England. Its rate of lava accumulation is faster than the eruption of small eruptions. Therefore, researchers predict a violent eruption that may occur in about three decades.

They draw conclusions based on new research methods and simulate volcanic lava reservoirs. The team hopes this finding could help local authorities plan to deal with the big eruption.

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