A VOLCANO in southern Japan erupted early yesterday sending a plume of ash and smoke into the sky and prompting a warning over ashfall.
Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, erupted – for the first time since Oct 18 last year – sending ash and smoke up to 4,400m into the sky, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
No damage has been reported, an official in Kagoshima prefecture, where the volcano is located, said. But the weather agency forecast ashfall in part of Kagoshima and neighbouring Miyazaki prefecture, as the eruption continued several times.
“In areas where a moderate amount of ashfall is expected, please take measures to protect yourself from ash, such as using umbrellas or masks, and make sure to drive slowly,” the agency said.
Local media also reported 30 flights in and out of Kagoshima Airport were cancelled because of ashfall and related reasons.
The agency has kept its alert level unchanged at three on a scale of five, which restricts access to the mountain. — AFP
