Hashimoto, Reeno. “An AI Simulation of a Mount Fuji eruption is being used to prepare Tokyo for the worst.” Associated Press, 28 Aug. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/mount-fuji-eruption-ai-video-japan-tokyo-f1729ae8915ec050240a24ea94637e7f.
Hashimoto writes about the presentation and public reaction to an AI-simulated eruption of Mount Fuji, released by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for “Volcanic Disaster Preparedness Day”. The videos were intended to offer a realistic glimpse into an eruption and the fallout that would follow by showing how ash would limit escape, power, food and water supplies, and cause long-term lung damage. Even without any imminent threat of eruption (the volcano hadn’t erupted and showed no signs of erupting in modernity) citizens were still inspired to stock themselves with emergency supplies. While some citizens were confused by the warning, there weren’t any actual complaints from the population of millions. One person even commented on their appreciation for the reminder of just how scary nature could be, and planned to purchase emergency supplies. Overall, the presentation was successful in encouraging the community to be prepared without overwhelming unreasonable fears.
This article was of particular interest to me because of the example of AI being used to prepare for natural disasters, especially in the recent years with so many that have resulted in tragic deadly consequences. It made me interested in expanding my understanding of ways AI could be used to predict, as well as impact lives in the chaos of a weather or environmentally related event.
Leave a Reply