Volcanic ash covers Yokota

[unhappycamper]

Volcanic ash covers Yokota
Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Wednesday, February 4, 2009

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Base residents awoke Monday to a layer of fine grayish ash from a nearby volcano covering streets, buildings and vehicles.

The talcum-like powder was spewed from Mount Asama, about 65 miles northwest of the base, according to base officials.

"Due to prevailing winds at the time, the base received a light coating of ash from the eruption," said Col. Jeff Newell, the 374th Airlift Wing commander, in an e-mail sent the community Monday morning.

Residents were told the ash was not toxic and posed no health risk, but people with chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma were advised to stay inside and avoid unnecessary exposure.

Department of Defense Dependent Schools on base were ordered closed for the day, but all other base operations carried on as usual, according to school and base officials. Airmen were permitted to wear their utility uniforms instead of the blues typically required on Mondays.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60442