Japan's Shinmoedake Volcano Erupts for First Time Since 2018

(MENAFN) A Japanese news agency reports that Shinmoedake, a volcano straddling the border between Japan’s Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, erupted Sunday for the first time since 2018.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the eruption began at approximately 4:37 p.m. local time. A thick column of ash rose more than 500 meters into the sky above the crater.

The ash cloud moved eastward toward Miyazaki, though authorities have not yet observed any volcanic rocks falling, as noted by the news agency.

The region remains under a Level 2 volcanic alert, which prohibits access close to the crater.
Officials have stressed that people should avoid areas within a 2-kilometer radius, as there’s a heightened threat of large volcanic rocks and fast-moving pyroclastic flows within a roughly 1-kilometer range.

Emergency services are urging the public to remain vigilant—especially downwind—since volcanic ash and smaller debris could be carried far from the crater.

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