Volcano Evacuees Begin Heading Home

Hundreds of people began to return to their homes on Miyakejima island as an evacuation order was partially lifted after experts said the chances of a volcanic eruption were fading. However, the evacuation order was maintained in western and southwestern areas of the Pacific island as mild earthquakes continued. Mayor Naoyuki Hirose announced the lifting of the order for the island’s southeastern district of Tsubota after approval by Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara, who helps administer the island even though it is 120 miles south of the capital.