Japan is utilizing AI-generated videos to prepare Tokyo residents for a potential Mount Fuji volcanic eruption. The videos, released for Volcanic Disaster Preparedness Day, simulate a violent eruption, showcasing the devastating impact on the city. According to the simulation, central Tokyo, approximately 100 kilometers away from Mount Fuji, would be blanketed in volcanic ash within hours, causing widespread disruptions.
The ash fall would paralyze transportation systems, making it difficult for people to move around the city. Food and power supplies would also be disrupted, leaving residents without essential necessities. Furthermore, the ash fall would cause long-term respiratory problems for residents.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government emphasizes that there are currently no signs of an impending eruption, and the simulation aims to equip residents with accurate knowledge and preparedness measures. The video ends with a message, "We need to arm ourselves with facts and prepare for disaster in our daily lives," showing a family's pantry stocked with canned food and a first-aid kit.
The simulation has elicited varied reactions from residents. Some, like Hiromi Ooki, find it useful and plan to take preparedness measures, while others, like Shinichiro Kariya, express anxiety and confusion about the sudden warning.
Japan is prone to natural disasters due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has 111 active volcanoes. The country is known for its meticulous disaster planning, spanning earthquakes, typhoons, floods, mudslides, and volcanic eruptions. By leveraging AI technology, Japan aims to enhance its disaster preparedness and response efforts, ultimately saving lives and minimizing damage.
