ERUPTION ALERT: Thousands at risk as major Japanese volcano threatens to blow
ONE of Japan's most active volcanoes could be close to a major eruption – threatening the safety of tens of thousands of people.
Mount Sakurajima in Japan spewed ash 5,000 metres into the sky in 2013
Experts have warned of a massive build-up of magma inside the Sakurajima volcano, which could trigger a repeat of a devastating eruption in 1914.
The disaster caused killed 58 people and caused widespread flooding in the nearby city of Kagoshima – dubbed the "Naples of the Eastern World".
And the researchers fear the next eruption will be even worse.
Dr James Hicke, from the University of Exeter, said: "The 1914 eruption measured about 1.5 kilometres cubed in volume – a massive event.
"From our data we think it would take around 130 years for the volcano to store the same amount of magma for another eruption of a similar size.
"This means we are around 25 years away."
Experts have warned of a massive build-up of magma inside the volcano
The volcano is supplied with a staggering 14million cubic metres of magma each year – enough to fill Wembley Stadium three and a half times over.
Three years ago spewed ash as far as Kagoshima and sent rocks flying into populated areas, but luckily there were no major injuries.
It last erupted in July, sending ash 5,000 metres into the sky.
The volcano is supplied with 14 million cubic metres of magma per year
Dr Hicke hopes the groundbreaking study will help improve eruption forecasting around the world.
He said: "We know that being forewarned means we are forearmed.
"Providing essential information for local authorities can potentially help save lives if an eruption was imminent."