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Japan raises volcanic alert for Mt. Hakone

Xinhua, May 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

Japanese Meteorological Agency on Wednesday raised the volcanic alert for Mt. Hakone, a popular tourist spot southwest of Tokyo as a possible small eruption may impact nearby area, local media reported.

The alert has been raised from 1, or "normal", to 2, a level advising regulated entries to areas around the volcanic vent, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, calling on people to stay away from potentially dangerous area.

It's the first time for the agency to raise volcanic alert level for Mr. Hakone since it implemented the alert system in March 2009. According to Kyodo News Agency, the number of volcanic earthquakes there on Tuesday reached 116, the highest ever recorded in one day.

The local town office issued an evacuation order for a 300- meter radius around Owakudani, an area in Hakone where volcanic activity can be observed and closed the road leading to the area. The operator of Hakone Ropeway also suspended a portion of its service running through Owakudani.

Volcanic activity in Hakone last increased notably in 2001, causing minor quakes and crustal deformation for about four months. Endi