That Mount Fuji erupts would be catastrophic, so the Government of Japan has used AI to warn the population

The Japanese government has published a video created with artificial intelligence that shows the devastating consequences that would have an eruption of the Mount Fuji For the 20 million inhabitants of Tokyo. The video, disseminated last Sunday by the Disaster Prevention Division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, is part of a strategy to prepare the population before a natural catastrophe that, although it is not imminent, is possible.

What does the video show. The simulation starts with a woman in a crowded street that receives an alert on her mobile informing her that the volcano has erupted. “The moment can come without prior notice,” warns the narrative before showing huge columns of smoke leaving the Fuji. The images generated by AI show how volcanic ash would arrive in Tokyo in just two hours, covering buildings and vehicles, and plunging the capital in the dark even during the day.

Why now. Japan is in the Fire belt Del Pacífico, an area of ​​intense seismic and volcanic activity. The country houses 111 of the approximately 1,500 active volcanoes in the world. Mount Fuji, who for centuries erupted every 30 years approximately, He has been asleep since the known as Hoei eruption of 1707. The authorities have intensified the alert tone in the last year, especially after warning in January that there is 80% probability that A severe earthquake hits The Nankai pit region in the next 30 years.

The economic and social impact. According to Official estimatesa large -scale rash would produce 1.7 billion cubic meters of volcanic ash, of which about 490 million would accumulate on roads, buildings and other surfaces. Economic losses could reach 2.5 billion yen (about 14,200 million euros). The ash would cause the collapse of wooden buildings with little load capacity, paralyze rail transport, cut the electricity supply and hinder the distribution of essential foods and products.

Reactions found. We have had the reactions of all kinds. While some users in networks They have expressed His concern: “The idea that volcanic ash causes chaos in the transport of Tokyo’s metropolitan area is terrifying,” others have criticized the approach for which the government has opted, considering it as alarmist. “It tends to be used to stir a feeling of crisis and fear”, commented Another user.

Practical preparation. The Government recommends to residents of areas near the Fuji maintain essential supplies for two weeks. The simulation includes a family scenes preparing pantries with canned food and first aid kit. However, some citizens indicate the practical difficulties of these measures, especially during Japanese summers, when temperatures reach Suffocating levels and an electric cut would be especially problematic.

Cover image | Caleb Jack

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