Miyake-jima is part of the volcanic Izu Islands located south of Honshu, Japan.
Mount Oyama, at the heart of the island, is an active volcano that emits poisonous gas, forcing the islands 3000 odd residents to constantly carry gas masks, in case sulphur/sulfur levels become toxic.
Mount Oyama, at the heart of the island, is an active volcano that emits poisonous gas, forcing the islands 3000 odd residents to constantly carry gas masks, in case sulphur/sulfur levels become toxic.
A Dangerous Place to Live
Miyake-Jima with Mount Oyama at the center. Miyake-jima is a small island that makes up part of a chain of volcanic islands extending out from the south side of Honshu, Japan. The main feature of the island is the active Mount Oyama which constantly threatens the lifestyles of Miyake-jima's 3000 odd residents.
The volcano has erupted several times in the last century causing loss of life through both the lava flows and the chocking, noxious gases that spill out of the crater topping the mountain. The most recent large eruption was in July 2000 which caused residents to at first seek out safe shelters around the island then later to be fully evacuated.
Luckily the eruption did not come without warning as seismologists recorded tens of thousands of earth tremors leading up to the event as the island was in a near constant period of movement.
After four years residents were allowed to return, and most did just that, after all it is their home and all know of the risks of living within close proximity of Mount Oyama.
The volcano has erupted several times in the last century causing loss of life through both the lava flows and the chocking, noxious gases that spill out of the crater topping the mountain. The most recent large eruption was in July 2000 which caused residents to at first seek out safe shelters around the island then later to be fully evacuated.
Luckily the eruption did not come without warning as seismologists recorded tens of thousands of earth tremors leading up to the event as the island was in a near constant period of movement.
After four years residents were allowed to return, and most did just that, after all it is their home and all know of the risks of living within close proximity of Mount Oyama.
Life in a Gas Mask
Please note that although these images of people with gas masks are often used in articles about Miyake Jima, they are actually not taken at the island... With there being a active volcano situated right in the middle of the island it is known for levels of sulphur (sulfur) to rise to lethal levels and as such the residents must always have access to a gas mask. Normally they are not expected to wear these masks all year round but should the monitoring stations detect a sharp rise in sulphur levels, 'raid sirens' blast throughout the population centres, warning everyone – men, women, children, young and old alike to put on their masks.
It is at these times the towns and city take on an eerie appearance as people wearing gas masks go about their business in the gloom. The region takes on a post apocalyptic feel, yet one that does not disturb the lifestyle too much. Business and pleasure, parties, weddings, funerals, social outings, school etc carry on as usual, as life, at these times, is experienced through the glass portals built into the masks.
It is at these times the towns and city take on an eerie appearance as people wearing gas masks go about their business in the gloom. The region takes on a post apocalyptic feel, yet one that does not disturb the lifestyle too much. Business and pleasure, parties, weddings, funerals, social outings, school etc carry on as usual, as life, at these times, is experienced through the glass portals built into the masks.
... but they illustrate it nicely. Tourism continues and is encouraged, gas masks are available from the airports of the ferry stations for visitors just arriving. Tour guides are more than happy to take people on sight seeing tours of both the lush landscapes and the destruction cause by the volcanoes eruption – flattened cars, abandoned houses (including several villages that fall within the non habitable zone) and a school gym that was destroyed by lava.
Definitely a location to visit, where life lives on the edge of death, yet carries on just the same.
Note: If I ever make it to this island and the air raid sirens start, I might secretly pay one of the local gas masked children to slowly approach one of my friends and ask 'Are you my mummy?' Some of you should know what I am on about here.
Definitely a location to visit, where life lives on the edge of death, yet carries on just the same.
Note: If I ever make it to this island and the air raid sirens start, I might secretly pay one of the local gas masked children to slowly approach one of my friends and ask 'Are you my mummy?' Some of you should know what I am on about here.
Ashley Hall 2013
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