ROSEMARY CHURCH, WORLD NEWS: It's been one week since Japan's Mount Usu volcano began emitting ash and rock. And experts predict an even bigger eruption is on the way. As CNN's Maria Ressa reports, it's likely to be quite some time before displaced residents' lives return to normal.</s>MARIA RESSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): School has reopened for some of the children living in towns near Mount Usu in northern Japan, but they are the fortunate ones. Life is far from normal for those who live closer to the volcano. After its first explosion in 22 years last Friday, the area around Mount Usu has become even more unstable. Another eruption Saturday spewed smoke and ash more than 2,000 meters into the sky. That has left volcanic debris on towns like this one, known for its hot springs, now completely deserted. New smaller eruptions this week indicate the growing pressure beneath the surface. Surging magma has caused the ground to move 130 centimeters southwest. That has created numerous fault lines. Some shifts have thrown the ground out of alignment as much as 10 meters in some places. Experts say these faults and cracks signal the formation of a lava dome, and they warn of what may be an even larger eruption within two to three days at the earliest, two weeks at the latest. Another danger is landslides. Volcanic debris and mud has accumulated on the sides of the volcano. Here, they have been washed down by rain. Still, officials say there should be no threat to human life. At least 16,000 people were evacuated last week. Several thousand who live on the eastern side were allowed to return home. A harrowing homecoming for many, who found their houses damaged by earthquakes and debris. (on camera): The Japanese government says it is getting ready to ship in pre-fab houses from around Japan to give evacuees more comfortable, longer term shelter. It seems clear, most residence near the volcano won't be living at home any time soon. Maria Ressa, CNN, Tokyo.
Japan's Mount Usu Could Deliver Another Major Eruption