Officials Warn Servicemembers On Yokota AB to Take Precautions Due to Erupting Volcano

There has been some pretty dramatic images coming out of Japan from the eruption of Mt. Ontake in Japan in recent days and now the US military is warning servicemembers stationed at Yokota Airbase to take precautions in case the ash falls on the base:

Military officials are warning personnel at Yokota Air Base, the headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan, to be prepared for ash fallout from an erupting volcano.

Central Japan’s Mount Ontake erupted shortly before noon Saturday, stunning more than 200 hikers who were on the popular 10,062-foot peak at the time. At least seven are listed as missing and another 40 people were injured.

The eruption spewed large white plumes of ash high into the sky. Two Jetstar flights headed to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport diverted to Kansai International Airport in western Japan as a precaution, The Associated Press reported.

Watch video of hikers overtaken by ash cloud

Yokota resdents were advised Saturday by base officials to remain indoors with pets to avoid breathing any ash that might fall.

They also were told to minimize vehicle use during periods of heavy ash fall because of reduced visibility and potential damage to air intakes. People should wear protective equipment when handling and cleaning ash fallout, officials said.

By Sunday afternoon, no ash appeared to have fallen on the base, and a number of people were outside on a warm and sunny fall day. There also was no immediate impact on Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Yokosuka Naval Base, Misawa Air Base or 7th Fleet installations, Navy officials said shortly after the eruption. (Stars & Stripes)

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