A recent image of the northern approach through the Tateno Gap, shown below, can only leave two words: not good. This is particularly so as rainy season approaches. Kumanichi reports that studies into nationalizing rehabilitation of the area have begun.
The article notes that the steep slopes of the inner edges of the caldera make it unique, thus justifying nationalization. What it doesn’t say is, as you’ll notice from the photograph, that if the hill continues to crumble and fills in Tateno Gap, a very large, unstable lake sitting right above Kumamoto City would be created. This would change “not good” into “very bad.”
Nationalizing the problem would bring in more money and personnel to prevent this. Seems like they’re finally realizing how serious this situation is.
– William
