Sakurajima Volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, erupted today, prompting the government to issue a level 5 warning.
The emergency response agency and local police reported that volcanic stones fell at a location approximately 2.5 kilometers from the volcano, but there have been no reports of injuries.
Smoke rises and red lava flows from the mouth of Sakurajima Volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on July 24. (Photo: Kyodo).
Immediately following the eruption, the Japan Meteorological Agency raised the alert level from 3 to 5, the highest level, advising residents to evacuate. This is the first time a level 5 warning has been issued for Sakurajima Volcano.
Some images from the eruption show what appears to be a red mass flowing down the mountainside, with bright red stones being ejected from towering gray smoke columns, making them difficult to see in the darkness.
Sakurajima Volcano erupted today.
The Japanese Prime Minister’s Office stated that they are gathering information about the situation. The Meteorological Agency had recorded minor movements in the geological crust since July 18, indicating that Sakurajima Volcano was showing signs of activity again.
Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan and is connected to the Osumi Peninsula on the southwestern island of Kyushu.
