Fears of Miyakejima residents increase.

Fears of Miyakejima residents increase Yomiuri Fears of a full-scale eruption increased Tuesday among residents on Miyakejima island, where volcanic activity has forced more than 2,600 people to evacuate their homes, after news reports that an underwater eruption had possibly occurred in the area. The residents had spent Monday night in shelters after local authorities issued an evacuation recommendation for part of the small island in the Izu Island chain. Speaking from the shelters, residents said they were fearful of damage to their homes and worried about whether they would have to stay in shelters for a prolonged period. One woman, who spoke as though she were praying, said, "I hope the eruption only happens under the sea." Shortly before noon Tuesday, a strong earthquake measuring 4 on the Japanese scale of 7 jolted the island, causing residents in the shelters to cry out with fear. The village government of Miyakemura had …