Economic activity, including postal services, is resuming on Miyake Island, 4 1/2 years after volcanic eruptions forced its inhabitants to flee in September 2000.
The re-emergence of postal operations, catering to reconstruction workers and residents who make brief trips to the island to repair their homes, is part of efforts to prepare for the lifting of the evacuation order in February, allowing people to return home at their own discretion.
For those choosing to return, the Miyake village authority will soon start briefing them on procedures for moving back to the island, where a volcano is still spewing toxic gas.