Embassy cautions Kuwaitis in Japan against volcano erruption

TOKYO, Sept 14 (KUNA) -- The Kuwaiti Embassy in Japan on Monday called on all Kuwaiti citizens here, including visitors and students, to take extra precaution and not to approach the surrounding area of Mt. Aso, which errupted earlier in the day.
The embassy also urged nationals to follow up safety guidelines set by local authorities in Japan, adding that Kuwaiti nationals should call 03-3455-0361, 03-3455-0362, and 03-3455-0363 in case of any emergency. The volcano, located 850 km southwest of Tokyo, spewed clouds of smoke and ash up to 2,000 meters into the air and scattering large rocks, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The weather agency raised the volcanic alert level for Mt. Aso from level 2 to level 3 on its five-point scale, which means the volcano should be off limits, while the local municipal government imposed limits on approaching an area within 4 km of the crater. (end) mk.tg