Tokyo, April 5, 2026 – The Europe Today: A potential eruption of Mount Fuji could significantly disrupt critical infrastructure in Japan, with volcanic ash posing a serious threat to backup power systems, according to new findings reported by NHK.
Experiments indicate that the accumulation of volcanic ash can rapidly impair the functioning of emergency generators. Researchers found that when ash thickness exceeds approximately 7 centimetres, generators begin to malfunction, while deposits of around 27.5 centimetres can cause complete failure.
Specialists further warned that even smaller accumulations of fine ash particles pose a significant risk. Ash layers as low as 5 to 10 centimetres may be sufficient to disable generator systems, raising serious concerns about the resilience of essential services during a major eruption.
Government projections suggest that in the event of an eruption, up to 10 centimetres of ash could settle over Tokyo within two weeks. Overall, as much as 490 million cubic metres of volcanic ash could blanket the capital.
Experts estimate that such a scenario could leave approximately 400,000 households in Tokyo and surrounding areas without electricity, underscoring the scale of potential disruption caused by a large-scale volcanic event.
Authorities are continuing to assess preparedness and mitigation measures as concerns grow over the possible consequences of a future eruption of Mount Fuji.
