Volcanic activity still high on Mt.Kusatsu-Shirane

NHK -- Jan 28

Japanese officials are warning of continued volcanic activity at Mount Kusatsu-Shirane in Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo.

An eruption occurred on Tuesday near a pond on one of the peaks of the mountain, leaving one person dead and 11 others injured.

The Meteorological Agency says that 639 volcanic earthquakes were observed on Tuesday, followed by 23 on Wednesday. The number of quakes decreased to 3 on Friday.

The agency says, however, that volcanic activity remains high on the mountain, and that another eruption of a similar size may occur.

The agency is keeping the alert level for the volcano at 3 on a scale of 5, and warning people not to approach the mountain.

Officials say there is a risk of projectile rocks within a 2-kilometer range of craters near the pond.

Local authorities are restricting entry to the area.