Mount Shinmoe Volcanic Eruptions

Feb. 1, 2011

This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Miyazaki and Kagoshima Prefectures in Japan that the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a Level 3 warning for residents near Mount Shinmoe. In the past few days, approximately 500 residents in the area have been evacuated as a result of the volcanic eruptions and some flights have been cancelled to/from Miyazaki Airport, located 50 km to the east. A Level 3 warning means that the volcano should not be approached and that an eruption that could cause damage and threat to life is possible in the surrounding areas.

Please disseminate this message to U.S. citizens in your organizations or to other U.S.citizens you know that live or may travel to the affected region.

Additional information about the volcanic eruption is available through the Japan Meteorological Agency.

For the latest security information worldwide, U.S. citizens should regularly monitor the State Department's website where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the Unites States, or, for callers from outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

For further information or any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of either the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or one of the U.S. Consulates in Japan.