Increased seismicity and gas emissions at Meakandake volcano, Hokkaido, Japan
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) raised the Alert Level for Meakandake volcano in Hokkaido, Japan, from 1 to 2 at 06:20 UTC (15:20 JST) on September 15, 2025, after an increase in seismicity near Ponmachineshiri Crater. From September 16 to 23, eruptive activity continued with 27–50 daily volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and white steam-and-gas plumes rising 200–800 m (656–2 625 feet) above the crater rim. Access within 500 m (1 640 feet) of the crater remains restricted, affecting parts of Kushiro City and Ashoro Town.
