Shinmoedake volcano erupts, sending ash 3,000 metres into sky

A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.

The eruption occurred at around 5:23 a.m. local time in the Kirishima mountain range, on the border between Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, according to local media. The volcano has been erupting intermittently since 27 June.

Japan’s national broadcaster NHK said ash from Sunday’s eruption is drifting northeast and could reach as far as Takanabe in Miyazaki Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned that moderate ashfall is expected in Kobayashi and Takaharu in Miyazaki Prefecture, as well as in Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture.

The JMA also cautioned that small volcanic rocks could fall within about 14 kilometres northeast of the crater. The eruption alert level remains at 3, with residents advised to watch for large volcanic rocks within 3 kilometres and pyroclastic flows within 2 kilometres of the crater.

Shinmoedake is part of the Kirishima volcanic group and has a history of periodic eruptions, with the last significant activity recorded in 2018. Authorities are monitoring conditions closely and urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant.

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