Early Sunday, Sakurajima volcano in southwestern Japan woke up with a bang, sending ash and smoke soaring 4,400 metres into the sky.
Quite a dramatic start to the day, right? Luckily, authorities reported no injuries or building damage so far.
Kyodo News cited the local meteorological observatory.
The explosive eruption at the Minamidake crater at 12:57am was the first time the plume had reached such heights since October last year.
Residents in Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki prefectures were advised to prepare for ashfall, with forecasts issued by the weather agency.
Volcano Activity Monitored
During the eruption, large volcanic rocks were hurled as far as the fifth station on the mountain.
“No pyroclastic flows were detected,” Kyodo added.
It reminded everyone that the alert level remains at three out of five, meaning access to the mountain is restricted.
Sakurajima isn’t just any volcano — it’s one of Japan’s most active, sitting on the Osumi Peninsula of Kyushu.
Interestingly, it used to be an island until a lava flow in 1914 created a natural land bridge.
So, while the eruption is a spectacular reminder of nature’s power, it’s business as usual for the local authorities keeping a watchful eye.
In the meantime, ash masks might become the must-have accessory in Kagoshima this week.
